Rest In Power: Notable Black People Who Have Died This Year

Source: WWE

UPDATED: 8:00 p.m. ET, Feb. 28

While death is an inevitable part of life, that fact doesn’t make it any easier when it is reported that someone has died.

That was true on Wednesday when it was reported that former professional wrestler Mike “Virgil” Jones had died. He was 61.

Wrestling referee Marck Charles III posted the news about Virgil’s death on Facebook.

“My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones and more,” Charles wrote. “Virgil passed peacefully at the hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and for his family. May his memory be eternal!”

WWE also announced Virgil’s death.

From the WWE:

A beloved Superstar throughout his time in sports-entertainment, Virgil broke through alongside “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and would go on to capture the Million Dollar Title, claim WrestleMania victories, and be featured as the original bodyguard of The nWo during a legendary career.

Jones’ journey began after a conversation with Tony Atlas, and he then began training with WWE Hall of Famer Afa of The Wild Samoans. After initial success on the regional scene as Soul Train Jones, including scoring tag team gold alongside The Rock’s Father, Rocky Johnson, Jones found his home in WWE as Virgil.

WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away.

WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/i9QDodn9BD

— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2024

Read the full WWE statement by clicking here.

While no cause of Virgil’s death was immediately reported, a GoFundMe account was raising money because Virgil “was diagnosed with Dementia.” The GoFundMe account has since stopped accepting donations.

Citing the GoFundMe account, the local Ohio news outlet WTRF reported that Virgil suffered two strokes in 2022.

Condolences for Virgil widely populated social media timelines following the news of his death, making his name a top trending topic.

Videos of Virgil wrestling against “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase were going viral as wrestling fans and enthusiasts recollected about a memorable bout between the two grapplers.

Never forget that Virgil got the Sami/Roman Chair Pop about thirty years earlier. pic.twitter.com/eM8PQWxf0l

— cookiesguy (@cookiesguyhere) February 28, 2024

May Michael “Virgil” Jones rest in eternal power. NewsOne sends heartfelt condolences to Virgil’s mourning friends and family.

MORE: Rest In Power: Notable Black People Who Died In 2023

Scroll down to keep reading below and to learn more about the other notable Black people who have died this year, in no particular order.

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