Sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro, who competed at WrestleMania in 2005, dies aged 54 from heart failure

Sumo wrestling legend Akebono Taro has died of heart failure at the age of 54, his family said.

The Hawaiian-born great became a ‘major champion’ in Japan and competed against Big Show at Wrestlemania in 2005.

“It is with sadness that we announce that Akebono Taro died earlier this month of heart failure while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area,” the family said in a statement.

His wife Christine Rowan said in an email to The Associated Press that he had died “within the past week” but declined to provide details.

At the height of his career he weighed 225 kilos and was 2.03 meters tall.

Akebono poses for a photo during a press conference at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu in 2005

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed his condolences on social platform X.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the sumo world, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan,” Emanuel wrote.

“When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport. During his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted country by uniting us all through sports.”

Akebono grew up on the rural side of the Koolau Mountains in Honolulu and was born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan.

He moved to Tokyo in the late 1980s and won his first major championship in 1993, ending his career as an 11-time major tournament winner.

The family’s statement said friends and family will hold a “private celebration of his life.” He is survived by his wife Christine, daughter and two sons.

“The family kindly requests privacy during this time of mourning,” the statement said.

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