Alex Whybrow, otherwise known to wrestling fans as Larry Sweeney, was found dead today at his home in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was just 29 years old.
The cause of death, as of this writing, was not made official, but judging by reaction across the internet, it may have been suicide.
Sweeney was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and his eccentric behavior had both been a positive, and negative, in his professional life. Regardless of his ailment, you'll be hard pressed to find anybody say a bad word about Sweeney.
While I'm not as adamant of a follower of the independent wrestling scene as I once was, I do know the impact Sweeney left on the business. He definitely had skill inside of the ring, but it was as a manager that he struck gold. I have heard many of times that if given the chance on a major stage, he could've very easily been the next Bobby Heenan, which is a huge compliment.
The only time I ever heard Sweeney actually speak was during an interview on Between the Ropes with Brian Fritz a few years ago. He seemed like an extremely down to earth guy, as well as a knowledgeable fan and future star of this business.
Since the grave announcement, pro wrestling stars & friends have taken to Twitter to voice their support, sadness and memories on Sweeney:
Chris Hero was the one to break the news, posting: "We lost a dedicated friend and an overwhelmingly talented performer this morning. Alex Whybrow aka "Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeney has passed.
Claudio Castagnoli: "Thank you for all the memories Larry Sweeney...I'll remember them forever..."
Jigsaw: "I just lost my best friend"
Player Uno: "RIP Larry Sweeney. Another person taken from us way too young"
Mike Johnson, one of the top writers in the wrestling biz and contributor to PWInsider, wrote an amazing article, talking about Sweeney, his life, his career and his impact on the people he knew. It can be viewed here.
Rest in Peace, Sweet 'n' Sour.
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