Smith Hart, the first son of Stu and Helen Hart, sadly passed away this past weekend (Sun. July 2, 2017) at the age of 68-years-old. Smith worked as a professional wrestler in the ’70s for promotions such as Stampede, National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and World Wrestling Council (WWC).
He also competed in countries all across the world such as Puerto Rico, England, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands. Smith made brief appearances in the WWE, the first being at SummerSlam 1994 during his brothers’, Bret and Owen Hart, Steel Cage match for the WWE (then WWF) championship. He also appeared at WrestleMania 26 where he helped Bret defeat Vince McMahon in a one-on-one No Holds Barred match.
Smith announced in January of last year that he had been diagnosed with both prostate and bone cancers. He was then diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer this past February, and was given one year to live. He passed away five months later in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The WWE released the following statement regarding Smith’s passing:
“WWE is saddened to learn that Smith Hart, member of the storied Hart wrestling family and uncle of WWE Superstar Natalya, has passed away at age 68.
“The oldest of the 12 Hart family children, Smith made a notable name for himself in the sports-entertainment industry around the globe. Throughout the 1970s and ’80s Smith competed across Japan, the National Wrestling Alliance and his father’s homegrown Canadian promotion, Stampede Wrestling.
“Smith also made several memorable WWE appearances throughout his career, most notably at WrestleMania XXVI when he assisted his brother, WWE Hall of Famer Bret “Hit Man” Hart, in Bret’s No Holds Barred Match against Mr. McMahon.
“WWE extends its condolences to Smith’s family, friends and fans.”
