Owen Hart cause of death: How Hart's fatal fall tarnished WWE's legacy

release of Vice's documentary Dark Side Of Ring shed light on tragic death of Owen Hart. Widely regarded as one of most controversial incidents in WWE history, Hart's fatal fall during a live pay-per-view and company's handling of tragic incident is criticised by fans of pro wrestling till date. ripple effect of accident is seen even today as Owen Hart's widow, Martha and Hart Family refuse to be associated with WWE in any shape or form. 

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Owen Hart cause of death: Owen Hart fall

At 1999 PPV Over Edge, Owen Hart was scheduled to face Godfar for Intercontinental Championship. Hart, who was performing as Blue Blazer (a superhero-inspired character) chose to enter ring by descending from arena rafters. Expected to be a dramatic entrance, an equipment malfunction caused him to suffer a fatal fall just before he could successfully descend into ring. Owen Hart reportedly fell from a height of 78 feet and landed chest-first on top rope (near one of pded turnbuckles). 

Owen Hart fall was t seen by television viewers as company showed a pre-recorded interview video during entrance. Later, WWE Hall of Fame anuncer Jim Ross, who was one of commentators on night, informed viewers at home that Hart h fallen from rafters and that it was t part of entertainment. Seriously injured and subsequently transferred to Trauma Medical Center in Kansas City, he was later prounced de. Owen Hart autopsy report confirmed that Owen Hart cause of death was internal bleeding resulting from blunt force trauma.

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Owen Hart cause of death: Owen Hart death foot

Owen Hart fall: WWE criticised for poor handling of situation

Despite tragic accident, WWE chose to go on with event, which was heavily criticised by fans and experts. Over Edge 1999 saw a mir 15-minute halt before scheduled matches were conducted as usual. Fans at Kemper Arena, Kansas, remained oblivious to death of wrestler for entirety of event.

aftermath of incident saw Martha Hart file a lawsuit against WWE claiming wrongful death of her husband. lawsuit was reportedly settled out of court for $18 million. Hart family used money to create  Owen Hart Foundation. Martha filed a second lawsuit against WWE in 2010, which was also settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

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One of most table repercussions of accident was fractured relationship between Owen Hart's family and WWE. Martha Hart expressed disgust at how WWF (w WWE) handled situation on day of incident. “ fact that Vince discarded Owen like he was a piece of garb, scraped his de body off mat and sent wrestlers to wrestle on a ring with his blood on it. His fall h broken some of boards, so y could’ve felt where he fell. This was a potential crime scene, y couldn’t let show go on,” Martha Hard said in documentary.

While Martha Hart maintains she has forgiven WWE, Vince McMahon and ors for loss of her husband, she remains against inclusion of Owen Hart in WWE Hall of Fame. Martha feels WWE's Hall of Fame is thing but a scripted TV show and does t want her husband's name to be associated with company again. 

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