British wrestling star Kurtis 'Mad Kurt' Chapman has died at the age of 26.
Revolution Pro Wrestling today confirmed the young athlete's death, describing the tragedy as a 'major loss to the British wrestling scene'.
The professional wrestler, who started his career in 2014, quickly became known for his comedic style in the ring and his tongue-in-cheek online persona.
Tributes have been paid to the Portsmouth-based sportsman once described as 'one of the most gifted technical wrestlers'.
A cause of death for the wrestler, described as having a 'charismatic' and 'magnetic' character, has yet to be confirmed.
British professional wrestler Kurtis 'Mad Kurt' Chapman has died at the age of 26, it has been announced
Kurtis' cause of death has yet to be confirmed
Revolution Pro shared the sad news on social media: “We at Revolution Pro Wrestling are absolutely heartbroken to report the loss of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman.
“We watched Kurtis grow from a child to a young man who loved professional wrestling and continued to excel in all aspects of his life.
'One of the most gifted technical wrestlers, charismatic characters and magnetic personalities. He will never be forgotten.'
Chapman started his career at just 17 years old, competing in PROGRESS Wrestling and IPW, among others.
He subsequently won the RevPro Wrestling British Cruiserweight title and held the championship from December 2017 to May 2018.
The wrestler's last match took place in June 2023, when he successfully defended his Resurgence Arthouse Championship.
Chapman's death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with professional wrestler 'Big Wavy' Roy Johnson writing on X: 'Terrible news. Kurtis was such a character and so fun to be around. REST IN PEACE.'
Kurtis pictured with friends. He shared the photo on his Instagram account and joked: “I'm just posting this to convince you that I have friends.”
Tributes were paid to Mad Kurt from several of Britain's leading wrestling organizations
PROGRESS Wrestling also paid tribute to the wrestler, adding: We are absolutely devastated by the passing of Kurtis Chapman, also known to fans as Mad Kurt.
'Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends. BritWres will never be the same without him.”
TNT Extreme Wrestling wrote: “Everyone at TNT extends our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Kurtis Chapman, better known as Mad Kurt.
“Kurtis was not only a respected artist, but also a dear friend. We will not only miss him, but the laughter and light that he deeply brought to all of us.”
Resurgence, who hosted Mad Kurt's final bout at the Arthouse Championship show in Leicester, wrote: 'Everyone at Wrestling Resurgence is devastated to hear the news about Kurt.
“Kurt represented everything that was great about wrestling, on both sides of the curtain.
'Our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this loss. RIP Kurt.”
Chapman was described as a 'charismatic character' with a magnetic personality
Chapman won the RevPro Wrestling British Cruiserweight title and held the title until May 2018
Portsmouth-born Chapman has been a regular on the British wrestling circuit since he started in his teens, making prominent appearances at RevPro events.
He also found his way to Progress, IPW, MDRN NMD NORTH, TNT, Purpose Wrestling and Resurgence, among many other wrestling companies in the country.
His entertaining style and strong technical wrestling skills made him a draw for fans across Britain.
A cause of death was not immediately confirmed.