Verne Gagne, 82 year old former pro wrestler and promoter based in Minneapolis, caused the death of a 97 year old man at a Bloomington, Minnesota nursing home.
Gagne and Helmut Gutmann, both suffering from Alzheimer’s related dementia, have been living in the memory loss unit of Friendship Village retirement community. The two men got into a fight on January 26 that ended with Gutmann suffering a broken hip and head injury. He was hospitalized, released and re-hospitalized due to complications. He died of his injuries on February 14, 2009.
Ruth Hennig, a daughter of the deceased said, “No one knows what led to the altercation. I don’t think anyone was present when it began…or even if anything precipitated it. All I know is that my father was lifted off of the floor and slammed to the ground.” She reported that her father had “no memory at all” of the clash with Gagne. Hennig isn’t sure whether Gagne should be prosecuted. “We’re still dealing with the death on an emotional level.”
Mike Opitz, an investigator with the medical examiner’s office indicates that the cause of death has been ruled a homicide. Bloomington Deputy Police Chief Perry Heles indicates the matter is still being investigated to determine whether to recommend charges against Gagne.
On March 12, 2009, the Hennepin County Prosecutor’s office officially announced that Gagne would not be criminally charged as a result of the death. Because of his dementia, he lacked the mental capacity necessary to have intended to harm Gutmann.
Verne Gagne was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2006 by his son, Greg Gagne. He has also been inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame, Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame. His signature move was his sleeper hold.
UPDATE: December 3, 2009 – Gagne’s granddaughter, Gail Gagne, a teacher and coach in the Twin Cities, was charged with sexual misconduct for having sex with a 16-year-old student.