Article image from Steve Helwagen's
"Whoo! "The Ric Flair Record Book" ©1995 |
|
WILMINGTON-
Johnny Valentine, Ric Flair and Bob Bruggers, three professional
wrestlers familiar to Carolinas and Virginia area fans remain
hospitalized at New Hanover County Hospital following a Saturday
evening plane crash near the Wilmington airport.
Valentine,
47, the reigning United States Heavyweight Champion of the
National Wrestling Alliance, and Bruggers, 31, were in serious
condition Sunday according to a hospital spokesman. Flair, 24,
whose legal name is Richard Fliehr, was reported in satisfactory
condition.
Also
in the twin-engine Cessna 310, which reportedly ran out of gas
while trying to land, were pilot Michael Farkas of Monroe, who was
in critical condition after undergoing surgery for head injuries
and David Crockett and George Woodin, both of Charlotte, who were
released from the hospital Sunday. Crockett and Woodin both are
promoters.
The
athletes involved wrestle for Jim Crockett Promotions of
Charlotte, and they were en route to a performance in Wilmington
Saturday night.
"We
understand all but the pilot were doing well this morning," a
member of Crockett's family told the Daily News Sunday. "We
understand a series of tests will be performed to determine the
extent of the injuries."
Valentine
was scheduled to wrestle in the main event of a Greensboro
Coliseum card Saturday night, Oct. 11. Dory Funk will sub for
Valentine in the match against Jack Brisco. |