- Edward Smith Fatu is in the history books as one of the best wrestlers the world has ever seen
- The former wrestler was a member of the Anoa’i family which is an American wrestling family
- He died on December 4, 2009 after suffering two heart attacks on the same day
Edward Smith Fatu, known to many wrestling fans as Umaga, will always be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
To start with, Smith was born on March 28, 1973, in Houston, Texas. He was a member of the prominent Anoa’i family, which has produced talented wrestlers over the years. The family originates from the American Samoa and members include The Usos, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Haku and Yokozuna.
Smith had two bothers who are also professional wrestlers; Sam and Solofa. He is a cousin to Roman Reigns, Yokozuna and The Rock. Umaga is the uncle of current WWE superstars Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso.
Smith began his wrestling career in 1995 as part of a tag team with his cousin Matt Anoa’i. Their tag team was known as 3-Minute Warning and he was using the name Jamal. In 2001, Smith and his cousin signed a contract with World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which led to them changing their tag team name from 3-Minute Warning to The Island Boyz.
In November 2001, the duo won the HWA Tag Team Championship after defeating Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias in a crucial match. They later clinched the Memphis Championship Wresting three times.
In September 2002, Smith, who had already started using the name Umaga, gained a reputation for being reckless on the ring as he injured several wrestlers. Nevertheless, he still remained a household name and a favourite among fans due to his performance.
Edward Smith Fatu on the ring during his time at Word Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Photo/WWE
Barely one year later, WWE terminated Umaga’s contract after he was involved in a bar fight. The American, however, continued with his career at Total Nonstop Wrestling Action (TNA) where he also became a fan favourite. During his one year at TNA, he often took part in tag matches as he teamed up with Sonny Siaki.
Smith then moved to Japan in 2004 and spent one year at All Japan Wrestling before WWE reassigned him. He was a member of WWE until June 2009 when he wrestled his final match on WWE.
Umaga on action at WWE. Photo/ The Fightful
The veteran entertained wrestling fans for the last time on November 28, 2009. He was by then wrestling as an independent circuit. He suffered a heart attack at his home on December 4, 2009. His wife found him unresponsive with blood coming from his nose. The doctors placed him on life supporting machine, but despite his heart still pumping, he showed no signs of brain activity.
Smith suffered a second heart attack on that day while on life supporting machine. The doctors pronounced Umaga dead at around 5p.m. He was 36 years old when he passed away after two heart attacks.
According to toxicology reports, Smith had three types of drugs on his body when he died. He had diazepam (Valium), hydrocodone (a painkiller) and carisoprodol (a muscle relaxant). Medical examiners at Houston also discovered that he had liver and heart diseases.
According to the medical examiners, an acute toxicity of multiple substances made the wrestler suffer a heart attack. The medical examiners concluded that Umaga’s death was caused by his bad heart alongside repeated drug use. He left behind a widow, L.T. Fatu with four children.
Smith is remembered as one of the best wrestlers WWE has ever had. During his time as a wrestler, he won prestigious titles due to his wrestling skills. He won the WWE Intercontinental Championship two times, HWA tag team championship alongside Kimo and WEW Hardcore tag team with Matty Samu.
Wrestling fans who watched the legend during his prime days have fond memories of his incredible agility on the ring.
Umaga fighting fellow professional wrestler Shawn Michaels at WWE. Photo/ The Sportster
