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

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

The Hawaii-born great became a 'grand champion' in Japan and competed at Wrestlemania in 2005 against Big Show. 

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

His wife Christine Rowan, in an email to The Associated Press, said he died 'within the past week' but declined to give details. 

At the prime of his career he weighed 500 pounds (225 kilos) and stood at 6-feet-8 (2.03 meters).

The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, sent his condolences on social platform X.

'I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan,' Emanuel posted.

'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. Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport.'

Akebono grew up on the rural side of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu and was born Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan.

He moved to Tokyo in the late 1980s and won his first grand championship in 1993.

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