Van Hammer, the American professional wrestler best known for his tenure in World Championship Wrestling, died on April 19, 2026.
Born Mark Ty Hildreth on November 1, 1959, in Hebron, Maryland, he served in the United States Navy after graduating from high school and traveled around the world during his tour. After training with Boris Malenko and Dan Spivey, he made his wrestling debut on July 19, 1991, as “The Hammer,” teaming with “Iceman” King Parsons in a North Georgia Wrestling Alliance tag match.
He later became known as Van Hammer in WCW.
Van Hammer, 66, American professional wrestler (WCW). (death announced on this date)