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WWE News: Original Doink the Clown Matthew Osborne Passes Away

Posted: Jun 28th 2013 By: mikeiles

According to WWE.com, Matthew Osborne, who was best known for his portrayal of Doink the Clown, has passed away.

The article on Osborne?s passing was brief and did not include the cause of death.

It is always unfortunate to learn about the passing of a former WWE Superstar and we can all add Osborne to that list. He began his wrestling career in World Class Championship Wrestling and, in addition to time spent as Doink in WWF/WWE, he also wrestled for WCW and ECW.

The Doink the Clown character was portrayed by others after Osborne left WWF in 1993, but he returned to the company in 2007 to take part in the Raw?s 15th Anniversary Legends Battle Royal.

Osborne was a fantastic heel clown as Doink, regularly pulling tricks on other Superstars and even fans. One of the more well-known moments in Doink?s career was when he began using twin magic. Steve Keirn, formerly known as Skinner and FCW head trainer, came out from under the ring during Osborne?s WrestleMania IX match and attacked his opponent, Crush.

When Osborne left WWF and began appearing for ECW, he started out as the Doink character. However, shortly after his debut, Shane Douglas criticized Vince McMahon for his treatment of Osborne, who would be renamed Borne Again.

At the age of 55, one can only worry about the reason behind Osborne?s death. PWInsider.com's MIke Johnson has more:

Details on his passing are still developing. PWInsider.com can confirm Osbourne was found this morning in Texas, where he had been staying of late, by his girlfriend. Osbourne would have turned 56 next month.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Osborne's friends, family and fans during this unfortunate and difficult time. As new reports come in, I will be sure to update this article as needed.