"Last night a tragic accident took the life of Owen Hart, he was 34. There are no words that can express the profound sorrow felt today by so many of us who knew and loved this very special human being. Fans throughout the world shared a small portion of Owen's life through his various ring personas, but to know Owen Hart, the human being was pure joy. Owen loved this business and loved to entertain both in it and out of the ring. He was a consiment performer and a legendary prankster.

In the extended family of professional wrestlers respect does not come easily and is not taken lightly. Owen Hart had that respect, he was more then just one of the boys. Owen Hart was a friend...and a brother to all. Our locker room...and our lives...will never ever be the same again.

A loving son, brother, uncle, husband and father. Owen is survived by his wife Martha, son Oje and daughter Athena. Our prayers go out to them and the entire Hart family.

With heavy hearts and the deepest of sympathys for his family we say good-bye. If the legacy of a mans life is measured by the lives he's touched...and how much he is love...then a big piece of Owen Hart will live on in all of us."
-Vincent K. McMahon (May 24 1999)