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"Dr. Death" Steve Williams Dies

Posted: Jan 1st 2010 By: mikeiles

Tulsa - Former University of Oklahoma wrestler and football player and professional wrestler Steve Williams, known as "Dr. Death" in the wrestling ring, has died after a battle with throat cancer.

Former OU wrestling coach Stan Abel says he was told by Williams' family of the news. Williams died Tuesday night at Lakewood, Colorado. He was 49 years old.

Williams was diagnosed more than six years ago with throat cancer and at that time was told he only had six months to live. But, after surgery to remove a tumor, he was declared cancer-free in 2005. But, the cancer came back earlier this year.

At OU, Williams was a four-time All-American at heavyweight and as a senior finished second in the nation. He's one of only ten wrestlers in the history of the OU program to earn All-American four times.

On the football field, he was named an All-Big 8 selection at guard in 1982.

After college, Williams went on to become an international superstar in professional wrestling. Among his finishing moves were the "Oklahoma Stampede", "Doctor Bomb" and "Backdrop Driver", but he was likely best known for the "three-point stance shoulder tackle".

Current University of Oklahoma wrestling coach Jack Spates called Williams "one of the greatest athletes that the University of Oklahoma has ever produced."

Williams is survived by two brothers -- Jeff and Jerry -- and a son, Wyndham.

Tags: Steve Williams