Why was Sabu hospitalized in 2012? Health concerns explored as pro wrestling legend dies aged 60

Former Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) icon Terrance “Sabu” Brunk is no more. PWInsider.com was the first to report the passing of the two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion. At the time of this writing, the cause of Terry’s death has yet to be revealed.

Throughout his decades-long career, Sabu faced multiple health-related issues and injuries. In 2012, he was hospitalized before an ECW reunion event. According to TMZ, the pro wrestling legend reportedly had an allergic reaction to a medication. The sources close to Terry told the outlet that he was MIA (missing in action) all day before he was rushed to the hospital.

Per TMZ, Sabu was staying at a hotel in Pennsylvania, and the staff called paramedics when they felt that the wrestler was seemingly intoxicated. A spokesperson for the event later told the outlet,

“Sabu was found unresponsive in his hotel room earlier today when event staff went to his room to pick him up for tonight's show. Management is currently awaiting results from his doctors to find out what actually happened.”

The spokesperson continued,

“All we know is that he had prior health issues that might have been a contributing factor. We're pulling for him and are very concerned for his health. We wish him the best of luck in his recovery.”

It was not the only time Terry sought medical attention. According to Slam Wrestling, Brunk was out for five months and spent two at a hospital in 2004. The pro wrestler reportedly had a mysterious virus, which paralyzed his arms and legs for some time.

Sabu had hip surgery in 2017, and a GoFundMe fundraiser was also held for the same. The wrestler told Sports Illustrated in January of that year,

“I have to continue wrestling. I’m not done yet. I don’t know when I’ll be done, but I just know that I’m not. [...] I’m doing good. I had hip replacement surgery, but I need shoulder replacement surgery and my lower back needs fixing. Those are actually more painful, but not more painful when I wrestle, so I can live with it. My hip was the most painful when I wrestled, so I got my hip fixed.”

Terry was again hospitalized two years back but later asserted that he was “doing better.”

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Tributes pour in as pro wrestling icon Sabu passes away at 60

Terrance Brunk, who received training under his uncle Ed "The Sheik" Farhat, debuted in the mid-’80s. Throughout a four-decade-long career, Terry entertained the crowds at promotions such as ECW, NJPW, TNA, WWE, AEW, and many more. After his death, many sent their condolences to Brunk.

World Wrestling Entertainment said in a statement,

“WWE is saddened to learn that Terry Brunk, known to wrestling fans as Sabu, has passed away.”

AEW posted on X,

“From barbed wire battles to unforgettable high-risk moments, Sabu gave everything to professional wrestling. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.”

“So sad and still so young. RIP you absolute legend,” a user wrote.

“rest in peace legend 🙏🏾,” another user posted.

“Was always one of my faves. RIP 🕊️,” someone said.

“The ropes, the tables, the scars... legend written in bruises,” another one added.

Many well-known pro wrestlers such as Matt Hardy, Sami Zayn, Rob Van Dam, Mustafa Ali, Damian Priest, and more also paid tribute to Terry Brunk. Van Dam, who was Terrence’s ECW colleague, shared a picture featuring the late capture that was captured a few weeks back at the Wrestlecon, seemingly one of his last public appearances.

During the WrestleMania 41 weekend, Terry Brunk fought Joey Janela at GCW’s Spring Break, which was dubbed as his retirement match. His final adversary also penned a tribute on X, describing Sabu as his “idol, a trailblazer, a gamechanger and an icon.”