The wrestling community is in mourning as the news of the untimely death of Bushwhacker Butch Miller, one-half of the iconic tag team The Bushwhackers, has rocked the industry. The tragedy struck after Butch arrived in Los Angeles for WrestleMania and a signing at Wrestlecon, but a medication mishap led to a devastating outcome.
According to an interview with Bushwhacker Luke, Butch’s best friend and tag team partner of over 50 years, the situation unfolded when Butch forgot to pack his medication for high blood pressure during his long flight from New Zealand to Los Angeles. This led to a four-day lapse in taking his pills, and he began feeling unwell during a private signing on March 30th.
Medical personnel were immediately called to Butch’s hotel room, and he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Despite initial hopes of recovery, Butch’s condition did not improve, and he passed away, leaving the wrestling world in shock and grief.
Luke Williams, devastated by the loss of his “brother,” shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing his love for Butch and recounting their remarkable journey together. The Bushwhackers were known for their wild antics and unique wrestling style, appearing in some of the largest venues in the world and winning the hearts of fans and peers alike. They were honored with inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter provided further details on the tragic incident, revealing that Butch’s high blood pressure was exacerbated by not taking his water pills, which he had forgotten to pack in his excitement for the signing event. Luke had canceled their autograph sessions for the day, hoping to do a signing together on April 2nd, but the turn of events shattered those plans.
Meltzer stated
“Regarding the death of Butch Miller, it’s really sad what happened because he had forgotten to pack one of his medications to combat high blood pressure. Because the flight from New Zealand to Los Angeles was so long, by the time he landed it was four days since he had taken his pills. He was in his hotel room for a private signing on 3/30 in the early morning and said he didn’t feel well.
“Medical personnel were rushed to his room and he was taken out in an ambulance on a Gurney with oxygen over his face half naked in front of people at line at about 8:45 a.m. for signings. Luke Williams canceled his autograph sessions that day and then came back from the hospital and told people what happened, but said he believed he would recover and that he hoped they’ve be able to do a signing together on 4/2.”
“Later, Williams said that Miller was awake in the hospital but he didn’t know his name or where he was and the doctors did find out he had not been taking his water pills which is why his blood pressure was so high. Luke told people that Butch was so excited to do the signing that he forgot to pack his pills and then it was so long since he had taken them.”
The wrestling world has been paying tribute to Butch Miller, with WWE showing graphics on screen in his honor during the week following his death. Fans, wrestlers, and wrestling promotions from around the globe have been expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Butch’s legendary career.
The loss of Bushwhacker Butch Miller serves as a stark reminder of the importance of medication management and taking care of one’s health, even in the midst of busy schedules and exciting events. The wrestling community will forever remember Butch’s contributions to the sport and his larger-than-life personality, as his legacy continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike.
