UPDATE x 3: Mike Mooneyham, who posted the original story on Mae Young, has posted the following update on Twitter, noting that the story’s source was incorrect and that Young is still alive…
Mae Young has not passed away. The source who reported her passing received incorrect information. Mae is gravely ill, but still alive.
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) January 9, 2014
Again, she is gravely ill and has been removed from life support.
UPDATE x 2: Unfortunately, we received word this morning that Mae Young has passed away. According to friends and family members, the decision was made to remove Mae from life support on Wednesday night as she wasn’t doing well and her condition was only worsening as time went on. The family all agreed that they didn’t want to see her struggle and came to an agreement that she should be removed from life support.
On behalf of everyone here on the website, I want to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mae Young. R.I.P Mae … you’ll be greatly missed.
UPDATE: Mike Mooneyham of the Post-Courier has posted the following to Twitter:
Sad news to report. Received word tonight that #MaeYoung has been taken off life support. Prayers for this grand lady of wrestling.
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) January 9, 2014
Young has been under hospice care as of late because of a reportedly failing kidney. On behalf of everyone here on the website, our best thoughts and prayers for Young and her family and friends.
ORIGINAL: The Post and Courier and Mike Mooneyham did a story on WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young who is currently under hospice care in Columbia, South Carolina. At one point she was scheduled to appear at this week’s “Old School” RAW in Baltimore.
Currently, one of Young’s kidneys is in the process of shutting down and she’s breathing with the assistance of an oxygen machine. She is back at home after recently being hospitalized but is constantly being monitored and really isn’t in good shape. She shares her home with former midget women’s wrestling star Diamond Lil (Katie Glass).
“She’s had a good, long life,” said former women’s champ Susan Green. “But things start wearing out by the time you get to be 90. She’s lived an amazing life. If all of us could be so lucky.”
Independent wrestler Johnny Cook, who works under the ring name Johnny Flex, trained under Young more than 20 years ago.
“She gave me that name and I kind of hung on to it,” says Cook.
Cook visited his mentor on New Year’s Day after learning of her failing health.
“She was very weak, but she could still carry on a conversation. But I didn’t make her talk too much. I just wanted to let her know what she meant to me and so many other people over the years.
“I told her to hang in there and that I hoped she got well. She knew exactly what I was telling her. If anybody could overcome this, Mae could. She’s a very strong-willed woman.”
The story goes on to state that while Young claims to be 90, some of her colleagues believe she is closer to 94.
We wish Mae all the best and will keep you posted as we hear more.
