WWE legend and Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch has passed away at the age of 78, his family announced.

The legendary wrestler, whose real name was Bob Miller, died shortly after falling ill when he arrived in Los Angeles to attend WrestleMania.

“Our dear Bob has passed away. Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch. We will always love u (sic) uncle until we meet again,” Butch’s nephew, Luke, revealed in a statement shared on Facebook.

After the tragic news, a GoFundMe page was launched to help Bob’s family with pending medical bills and other needs.

“The Bushwhackers were a fun comedy team. They entertained fans with their character work during what is known as the golden era of professional wrestling. Their contributions to the industry earned them a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2015,” the tribute on GoFundMe reads.

“That being said, we have some sad news to share on one half of the team, Bushwhacker Butch Miller has been hospitalized after arriving in Los Angeles for a signing during the Wrestle Mania weekend.

“Butch had arrived alongside his long friend and brother Luke Williams. The duo has been together for more than 50 years on the road and everyone was looking forward to this comeback.”

The message concluded: “The beloved team gave their best years to the industry earning respect and love to only from their mates but also from their fans. From being the Sheepherders to the Bushwhackers in WWF they earned their spot in the industry history and they gave so much to us is time to give back to them.”

Paying a tribute to the Hall of Famer was also Bob’s longtime friend Luke Williams who wrote: “Late last night, I lost my friend, brother and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob ‘Butch’ Miller.

“From the early-1970s when we were young mates wrestling for John da Silva in New Zealand, my first impression of Bob ‘The Chest’ Miller (as he was called in those days) was that he was a first-class redneck, and what bloody redneck he was! But he was also an all-around good guy and a great friend.

“If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong. In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob.”

Bob is survived by wife Helen and their two daughters. Our thoughts are with the family during this challenging time.