WCW Veteran Van Hammer Passes Away

WCW veteran Van Hammer (real name Mark Hildreth) has passed away. He was 66 years old.

Marc Mero announced the passing of his “dear friend” on X earlier today. Mero revealed that autopsy reports are still awaited to determine the exact cause of Van Hammer’s death.

Mero described Hammer as “loyal, selfless,” and someone who was always there for his loved ones. He noted how Hammer resiliently overcame several challenges that life threw at him and also shared some of his memories with the WCW veteran.

He wrote:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer. At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going. I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym. Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.

“That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract. We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight. Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey. Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”

Check out his post below:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer. At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy.

Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of… pic.twitter.com/Tb7d0zQtJr

— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) April 19, 2026

Hammer was a part of World Championship Wrestling for a majority of the 1990s. He debuted for the company in 1991 with a rock star gimmick. He is best remembered for a Falls Count Anywhere bout with the legendary Mick Foley at a Clash of Champions special and for winning the 1992 Jesse Ventura Invitational arm-wrestling tournament.

Following a two-year stint with the company, he participated in a WWF Tryout in 1993 but couldn’t earn a contract from the promotion. Hammer returned to WCW in 1997 and stayed there before his release in January 2000.

He last wrestled in April 2009, beating Champ Champagne in what was his first match in nearly six years, at MCW Xtreme Measures.

411Mania offers heartfelt condolonces to Van Hammer’s family and friends.