'The Assassin' Jody Hamilton Passes Away At 82

WCW Hall Of Famer 'The Assassin' Jody Hamilton has passed away at the age of 82.

It was reported on Monday that Hamilton had entered into hospice care before reports of his passing circulated later in the day. 

Hamilton's son, former WWE & WCW referee Nick Patrick, confirmed the news in a post on Facebook: 

"It is with heavy heart that I make this post. At 2:16 today [Monday] my father took his last breath on this earth. He passed comfortably, surrounded by the people that love him.

"Now our attention has to shift over to taking care of my mom. I want to thank everyone that sent out prayers and support for my family. I will put more information about pop out, but right now I'm kinda numb."

Hamilton was one-half of The Assassins alongside Tom Renesto. The duo tagged together in the 1960s, winning the NWA Tag Team Championships on 12 occasions, before Renesto retired in the 1970s.

Hamilton continued the team and gimmick with various other wrestlers, notably alongside Ernie Ladd and 'Hercules' Hernandez competing throughout the NWA territories during his time as an active competitor. 

Hamilton retired in the late 1980s due to a back injury. He would join WCW as an agent and trainer, working with new talent at the Power Plant, and was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1994.

WWE have also issued a statement on Hamilton's passing.

Everyone at Cultaholic would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jody Hamilton's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.