Wrestling rocked by star's death at 39 after triple amputation

The wrestling world is mourning the tragic death of former professional star Jimmy Rave.

Rave died this week at the age of 39 after recently having both legs amputated because of the MRSA infection.

Rave, whose real name was James Michael Guffey, started his professional career in 1999.

'DISGUSTING': UFC champ slammed for 'classless' mum remark

'OUT OF CONTROL': Conor McGregor transformation photo sparks debate

He was a two-time National Wresting Alliance (NWA) junior heavyweight champ, while also appearing in Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling and Ring of Honour.

He also featured in the WWE-produced “Sunday Night Heat”.

After his professional career came to an end he had to have his arm amputated, before losing both legs earlier this year.

“James had been struggling with drug addiction for many years,” Rave’s agent Bill Behrens said in a statement.

“His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm and, later, both of his legs.”

Rave revealed in October that he was having trouble walking and visited a surgeon.

“He determined I had MRSA in both legs and they needed to be amputated immediately,” he tweeted.

“Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I’ve had a history with this and would cancel shows often due to this condition.”

Rave had earlier revealed that his career was over after an infection was found in his left arm.

“This was the hardest thing I have ever had to type,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Please take your health much more seriously than I did. Support pro wrestling!”

Wrestling world in shock over Jimmy Rave's death

News of his death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community.

“This really hurts,” WWE legend Mick Foley tweeted. “He was only 39.”

Matt Hardy wrote: "I wasn’t close with Jimmy Rave, but I was able to work with him on a few occasions.

"He was a kind, bright, talented young man. I’m very sad to hear about his death, especially considering he was so young & had a wife & children.

"I hope your soul finds peace, Jimmy."

The NWA said: “The NWA is saddened to hear of the passing of former Jr. Heavyweight Champion Jimmy Rave.

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this time.”

Rave's daughter has launched a fundraising effort to pay for his funeral.

“The last time I talked to him, he told me how much he loved me and how he was so proud of me for following my dreams to become a teacher,” she wrote on social media.

“I’m so thankful that I was able to have that as our last conversation.”

Rave is survived by his ex-wife, daughter Kailah, son James and parents Jim and Toni Guffey.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.