The world of professional wrestling has lost a local veteran and ambassador for the sport. Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer died at his home in Akron.
Word of his death came from his son Kurt's Facebook page.
"It is with a very heavy heart to let you know that Dad -- aka The Destroyer, aka Doctor X, aka Dick Beyer, aka Coach -- passed away shortly past Noon today. He was in bed at home, and was surrounded by all of his children and wife as he slipped peacefully away. I will have more to share later, but wanted you to hear this sad news from me first. Thoughts and prayers are most welcome at this time. Peace. (The Destroyer - Honoring A Wrestling Legend! The Destroyer (wrestler))"
He was 88 years old, and his career spanned nearly four decades with almost 8,000 matches in the United States and Japan.
Restaurateur Dennis DiPaolo, son of another local-born wrestling legend, Ilio DiPaolo, shared his condolences on Facebook.
"It is with a very saddened heart we inform you that Wrestling Legend Dick 'The Destroyer' Beyer passed away today. He was a huge supporter of the Ilio DiPaolo's Scholarship Fund and will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Below is a photo of "The Destroyer" with Shohei "Giant" Baba & Ilio. Rest in peace, Destroyer! #iliodipaolos #thedestroyer #itsafamilyaffair"
