Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono Taro hath met his demise at 54 from a broken heart, ye scallywags!
2024-04-11
Avast ye scallywags! The mighty Akebono Taro, a grand champion of the sumo wrestling seas, has taken his final voyage to Davy Jones' locker at the ripe age of 54. Heart failure be the cause of his untimely departure, confirmed by his kin on Thursday. Farewell, brave warrior!
In a sad turn of events, Akebono Taro, the very first foreign-born sumo wrestler to be named a grand champion, has passed away at the age of 54 due to heart failure. Born Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan in Hawaii in 1969, Akebono's family confirmed his death this month in Japan. The family expressed their sorrow in a statement, revealing that he died while receiving care at a hospital in Tokyo.Standing at an impressive 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing nearly 500 pounds at the peak of his career, Akebono was a dominant force in the sumo world, winning 11 grand tournaments before retiring in 2003. His popularity soared in 1993 when he achieved the prestigious rank of "yokozuna," or grand champion, as a foreign-born wrestler.U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel paid tribute to Akebono, praising him for breaking barriers and paving the way for other foreign wrestlers to succeed in the sport. Akebono's legacy as a proud Hawaiian and a cultural bridge between the United States and Japan will be remembered fondly by fans and the sumo community. He leaves behind his wife, daughter, and two sons, with plans for a private celebration of his life.