On 23 May 1999, professional wrestler Owen Hart tragically lost his life during a live wrestling event in Kansas City, an incident that has since left a profound mark on the wrestling world. At just 34 years of age, Hart’s unexpected death came during a stunt that went horribly wrong, causing a ruptured aorta and resulting in his immediate demise.
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Hart’s credentials in the wrestling arena were impressive. Growing up in the wrestling-centric family of legendary promoter Stu Hart in Calgary, he was the youngest of 12 siblings, all of whom followed in the family’s footsteps in various ways. After joining the World Wrestling Federation (now known as World Wrestling Entertainment) in March 1991, Hart captivated audiences with his talent, earning accolades such as the WWF Intercontinental Championship and a remarkable five-time World Heavyweight Championship.
The grim accident occurred while Hart was performing as his alter ego, the Blue Blazer. During his entrance at the “Over the Edge” pay-per-view event, he was set to descend from a catwalk via a cable. Although he had successfully executed similar stunts in the past, the quick-release harness he was using malfunctioned, resulting in Hart plummeting more than seven stories directly into the ring. Witnesses recall that his fall appeared to happen in an instant, with the announcer, Jim Ross, relaying a chilling message to viewers that “something went terribly wrong”.
Witnesses in the arena were initially oblivious to the gravity of the situation, believing it to be part of the theatrical performance. However, the shock soon set in as the reality of the tragedy became clear. Parametrics responded quickly; however, Hart was pronounced dead shortly after the fall. As fans processed the shock, many expressed disbelief at the continued broadcasting of the event. Critics condemned the decision to proceed with the programme as “cold-blooded”, asserting that it showed a lack of respect for Hart’s legacy and the audience’s emotional state.
In the wake of the incident, Hart’s family sought justice through a wrongful death lawsuit against the WWF, holding the organisation accountable for the series of events leading to his demise. This legal action culminated in a settlement of $18 million in 2000. Throughout the lawsuit, Hart’s wife, Dr. Martha Hart, and his brother, Bret Hart, voiced their concerns regarding the safety protocols of the WWF, describing the fatal stunt as “stupid and unnecessary”.
Martha Hart has worked diligently to ensure that her husband’s legacy is preserved. To honour his memory, she established the Owen Hart Foundation, which aims to support low-income families through homeownership and scholarship programmes, as well as philanthropic efforts during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation has also forged ties with All Elite Wrestling to create the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, a wrestling event celebrating his contributions to the sport.
Nevertheless, controversy continues to follow Hart’s legacy, particularly surrounding the decision to limit the release of his match footage. Family members, particularly Bret, have expressed disappointment at how Owen is often remembered solely for his tragic accident rather than his extensive contributions to wrestling. “Owen would want his matches to be seen,” he remarked in a recent interview. “Instead, his career is sealed away, and that feels wrong.”
The wrestling community continues to remember Owen Hart not only for his skills in the ring but also as a cherished husband, father, and friend. His funeral drew an audience of family, friends, and fans, all coming together to celebrate his life and achievements. Hart’s untimely death has since prompted discussions about safety in professional wrestling and the responsibilities of the organisations involved.
Martha Hart also contributed to his legacy through the publication of “Broken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hart”, a book that explores both his personal and professional life. Owen Hart’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with professional wrestling, and his legacy as a talented performer continues to inspire both fans and fellow wrestlers alike.