The
Von Erich family is a
professional wrestling family. Their
actual birth names are "Adkisson", but every member of the family who went into the wrestling business used the
ring name "Von Erich", after the family patriarch,
Fritz (real name - Jack).
Patriarch Fritz lived until his natural death, but 5 of his 6 sons died before him (3 by suicide). The oldest son, Jack Jr. died at the age of six. In 1984 David Von Erich died in Japan from acute
enteritis of the upper intestine. Michael, Chris, and Kerry all committed suicide in 1987, 1991, and 1993 respectively. Mike died after taking an overdose of
Placidyl. Chris shot himself in the head with a 9mm at his parents' home in East Texas. Kerry shot himself in the chest behind his father's house on Shady Shores Road. Kevin Von Erich is sole surviving child of Fritz Von Erich (Jack Adkisson) and Doris Adkisson.
The third generation of Von Erichs are in the process of forming, as Kerry's daughter
Lacey Von Erich is now in the business, and Kevin's sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich are contemplating entering the squared circle themselves.
Members
Fritz Von Erich
Fritz Von Erich was born Jack Barton Adkisson on August 16, 1929 in Jewett, Texas. Standing 6'4" tall and weighing 269 lbs, Fritz was an imposing figure who quickly became a top
heel in the wrestling business, due in no small part due to his devastating finishing...
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