Former Wrestler Dick Slater Dies at Age 67

Slater cut his teeth in the South and gained notoriety in WWF and WCW.

Screenshot/Twitter/NWA

Former professional wrestling star "Dirty" Dick Slater has died at age 67, WWE confirmed in a statement.

Born Richard Van Slater, he was an amateur wrestler—and teammate of Paul Orndorff’s—at the University of Tampa. His professional career took off in the early 1970s, particularly in Georgia Championship Wrestling. The Florida native competed in numerous promotions but was best known to national audiences for his time in WCW and a brief WWF run. He also spent time in Japan.

"Slater was a prolific competitor during the 1970s and 1980s in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling and Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, where he teamed with WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton and had a memorable rivalry with WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts," WWE said in a statement. "WWE extends its condolences to Slater’s family, friends and fans."

NWA also tweeted a statement to confirm Slater's death, calling him "as tough as they come."

"The National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dick Slater," NWA tweeted.

The National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dick Slater.

As tough as they come. A decorated champion of the @NWA across every territory he wrestled including being United States, Mid-Atlantic and TV champion. pic.twitter.com/dqHlLqnOJx

— NWA (@nwa) October 18, 2018

No further details on Slater's death have been released.