WWE World Pays Tribute to Two Longtime Referees Who Died

The company announced the tragic news over the weekend.

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of two longtime officials this week after WWE announced the deaths of Dave Hebner and Tim White.

Hebner, who died Friday at the age of 73, arrived to the company in 1986 and quickly made his claim to fame working some of WWF and WWE’s early WrestleMania classics. He eventually retired from officiating due to knee replacement surgery and worked as a WWE road agent until 2005 before moving on to other ventures. 

Hebner was also part of the famous Hebner wrestling family alongside twin brother Earl, a WWE official from 1988 to ’05, and nephew Brian, a recently retired longtime official who also worked for WWE.

White, 68, began his 24-year tenure with the company in 1985 when he debuted as a part-time ref while working as André the Giant‘s agent. He took on a full-time role following the legendary wrestler’s death in '93. White went on to work several prominent matches, including The Undertaker-Mankind Hell in a Cell bout in '98, before a shoulder injury forced him to retire in 2004. White worked in various roles behind the scenes until his release in '09. 

As the tragic news circulated around social, numerous wrestling legends and figures offered their condolences in Hebner and White’s honor:

I’m Saddened To Hear About The Passing Of Two Of My Friends- Dave Hebner & Tim White. I’m Grateful To Have Known Both Of These Incredible Men. Rest In Peace! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/xrjWQ9ras7

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 19, 2022

Saddened to hear about both Dave Hebner and Tim White. Both incredible men I was privileged to spend time with in and out of the ring.
My thoughts are with their families.

— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) June 19, 2022

Can’t believe we’ve lost both Dave Hebner and now the equally talented Tim White.
Two outstanding humans who were committed to pro wrestling.
🙏🤠

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) June 19, 2022

Yesterday I had to say my last goodbye to my other half, my partner in crime, my road buddy for years, my brother for 73 years. I love you David, I'll never count you out. pic.twitter.com/VBj1DrJlI1

— Earl Hebner (@earlhebner17) June 18, 2022

I would always give him a big hug every time I saw him he was always so kind and genuine 🙏

— Trinity (@TheTrinity_Fatu) June 20, 2022

Beyond sad to learn of the passing of Dave Hebner and Tim White. 😢

Had the pleasure of working w/ them for many years while a part of the @WWE family.

My condolences to their friends and families.

God Bless them both. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) June 19, 2022