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WWE's Jimmy Superfly Snuka dies just weeks after being ruled unfit to stand trial over 'girlfriend's murder'

Posted: Jan 15th 2017 By: Aaron Flanagan

Former professional wrestler Jimmy Snuka has has died, aged 73.

'Superfly' had been living in hospice care and was told in late 2016 that he had just months to live.

His daughter Tamina Snuka, who currently wrestles with the WWE, and WWE icon Dwayne Johnson confirmed the news first on social media on Sunday evening, followed by the WWE.

Tamina wrote: "I LOVE YOU DAD #FOREVERMYDAD #RestWell #FamiliesAreForever #BestDad #SnukaLegacy"

She accompanied the message with an image of her appearing to hold her ill father's hand.

The news was also confirmed by Johnson, otherwise known as the The Rock, who added "family is forever" in Samoan.

"Our family @TaminaSnuka asked me to share the sad news that her dad Jimmy Snuka has just passed away. Alofa atu i le aiga atoa. #RIPSuperfly," he posted.

Revelations about Snuka's ill health were revealed by his lawyer in December, as he was unable to appear in court.

Snuka was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter over the death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino in 1983.

He was declared mentally incompetent at a hearing in June 2016 and was due to attend a hearing to re-evaluate his condition.

Nancy, 23, was taken to hospital gasping for air and oozing yellow liquid from her mouth on May 10, 1983, having spent the night in a hotel room with Snuka.

She died the next day.

Snuka was one of the WWE's most charismatic characters

He was declared unfit to stand trial earlier this month

Snuka, whose real name is James Wiley Smith Reiher, was named as a 'person of interest' at the time but no charges were ever brought and the case went cold.

He has long-maintained his innocence, even writing in his autobiography: "I never hit Nancy or threatened her."

But in September 2015, Snuka was charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

A grand jury concluded he had caused the injuries which led to her death.

As a wrestler, Snuka was famed mostly for his time with the WWF (now WWE) in the 1980s.

He earned his nickname 'Superfly' after becoming one of the first superstars to bring a high-flying style to the ring.

Two of Snuka's children, Jimmy Reiher Jr and Tamina, are also wrestlers.