Australian wrestling legend Broderick Shepherd has died in Mexico at the age of 32.
Shepherd performed under the name ‘Australian Suicide’ in Mexico and ring names Ryan Rollins and ‘El Australiano’ in his early career.
His partner, Puerto Rican wrestler Vanilla Vargas, announced the news in a post on social media on Friday.
The long-time couple welcomed a daughter in 2021.
‘Help to repatriate Broderick Shepherd (Australian Suicide) to his country,’ she wrote on Instagram in Spanish.
‘It is with great pain that I want to share that my daughter’s father has passed away unexpectedly.
‘He was originally from Australia, and our highest priority at this time is to fulfill his wish to rest in his country with his family.
‘The reparation process (Sending the body) is URGENT and we have a deadline of 48 hours to gather the necessary funds.
His partner, Puerto Rican wrestler Vanilla Vargas, announced the news on social media on Friday and said she was raising funds to repatriate his body (the couple are pictured)
The Melbourne-born wrestler performed under the name ‘Australian Suicide’ in Mexico
‘The total cost of the process is $10,000 dollars, an amount that at this time is impossible for us to cover on our own.
‘I ask you with my heart in my hand for your support, any donation, no matter how small, will help us get his body back home.’
Shepherd successfully competed in Mexico’s version of WWE when he relocated from Melbourne in 2013.
Melbourne City Wrestling led tributes to the wrestling star on Friday.
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Broderick and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,’ it said.
‘We fondly remember his time in MCW and Australia, where he brought joy to every show with his infectious energy, unforgettable outfits and song choices.
‘His willingness to entertain never failed to put a smile on our faces.’
Fellow Lucha Libra AAA wrester John Jesus ‘Mecha Wolf’ Yurnet also paid respects to his former colleague.
Shepherd (pictured) performed under the name ‘Australian Suicide’ in Mexico and ring names Ryan Rollins and ‘El Australiano’ in his early career
‘F*** man. This one hurts a lot,’ he wrote.
‘RIP brother @australian.suicide I will blast @cancerslug all day for you.
‘Love you bro. I will see you again soon.’
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