Pat Patterson, one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of professional wrestling, died on December 2, 2020 at the age of 79. He was a pioneer in the industry, both as a performer and a creative mind, and a trailblazer as the first openly gay wrestler. His death shocked and saddened the wrestling world, as many fans and colleagues paid tribute to his legacy and impact. But what was the cause of his death? How did he die? Here are some facts and details about Pat Patterson’s passing.
Liver Failure Due to Cancer
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pat Patterson’s official cause of death was liver failure. He had been suffering from bladder cancer for several years, and had recently moved to an assisted living facility in South Florida due to his deteriorating health. He also had dementia, which had worsened over time.
In November 2020, Patterson was rushed to a hospital in South Beach, Miami, after he developed a blood clot in his liver. Doctors also discovered a tumor on his lung, which had begun to spread. He was scheduled for a biopsy on December 4 to determine if the tumor was cancerous, but he never made it. He passed away in the hospital on December 2, around 1:15 am.
Patterson’s close friend and former WWE star Sylvain Grenier had power-of-attorney for him, and was with him during his final days. Grenier had visited Patterson in October and noticed that he had lost about 60 pounds. He convinced him to go to the hospital, where the tumor was found. Grenier flew back to Montreal, but returned to Florida when he was told that Patterson’s condition was critical. However, Patterson was already “out of it” by then, and Grenier could not spend much time with him due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
A Legendary Career and Life
Pat Patterson was born Pierre Clermont in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on January 19, 1941. He grew up in a poor French-speaking family, and was kicked out of his home at 14 after coming out as gay. He started training to wrestle at a local gym, and made his debut in 1958. He moved to the United States in 1962, despite not speaking any English, and worked for various promotions across the country.
He became famous as “Pretty Boy” Pat Patterson, an effeminate heel who wore lipstick and sunglasses. He also formed a successful tag team with Ray Stevens, known as The Blond Bombers. They won several championships in different territories, including the AWA World Tag Team Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship.
Patterson joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) in 1979, and became the first Intercontinental Champion after winning a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro. He turned face and feuded with Sgt. Slaughter in a series of brutal matches that drew huge crowds and acclaim. He also wrestled legends like Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Bruno Sammartino, and Hulk Hogan.
Patterson retired from active competition in 1984, but remained with the company as a backstage agent and producer. He became one of Vince McMahon’s right-hand men, and helped create some of the most memorable moments and matches in WWE history. He is credited with inventing the Royal Rumble match, one of WWE’s most popular annual events. He also mentored many young wrestlers and gave them advice and guidance.
Patterson came out of retirement several times for special occasions, such as wrestling Bret Hart in 1997, winning the Hardcore Championship in 2000, and participating in the first-ever Evening Gown match against Gerald Brisco at King of the Ring 2000. He also appeared on WWE television as one of McMahon’s “stooges”, along with Brisco, and provided comic relief.
Patterson publicly came out as gay in 2014, on an episode of WWE Legends’ House. He revealed that he had been in a relationship with a man named Louie Dondero for 40 years, until Dondero’s death in 1998. He also wrote an autobiography called Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE, which was published in 2016.
Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by Bret Hart. He received several other honors and awards throughout his career, such as being named Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1972, and being ranked No. 11 on WWE’s list of Top 50 Intercontinental Champions of All Time.
Patterson is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers and minds ever in the business. He influenced generations of wrestlers and fans with his charisma, creativity, and courage. He lived his life with passion, love, and purpose. He will be remembered as a legend, a pioneer, and a friend.
