Cause of wrestler's death unknown

By MICHAEL A. MOHAMMED, Times Staff Writer
Published August 15, 2007

TAMPA 

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office is still investigating the cause of death of a former professional wrestler Monday morning.

Based on an initial autopsy, doctors could not determine why Brian "Crush" Adams, 44, of 4918 Anniston Circle lost consciousness and died in his bed, said medical examiner's spokesman Dick Bailey.

Toxicology studies and microsopic tissue examination may reveal more information and will take four to six weeks to complete, Bailey said.

Investigators found pain medication in Adams' bedroom, for which he had a prescription, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Friend and fellow wrestler Bret Hart said Monday that Adams had been dealing with severe back pain stemming from an operation a few years ago. Hart added that Adams seemed cheerful in a two-hour phone conversation the night before he died.

[Last modified August 15, 2007, 00:41:27]