Hawaii-born sumo wrestler Akebono Taro dies of heart failure aged 54: Was first foreigner to reach 'grand champion' level in Japanese sport

A Hawaii-born sumo wrestler has died of heart failure at the age of 54 after being the first foreigner to reach 'grand champion' level in a Japanese sport. 

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

Taro was the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo´s highest rank, in 1993, and he 'opened the door' for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport, according to U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.

His death was announced in a statement from his family. '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.

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

'I had to tend to personal matters that needed to be done prior to publicly announcing my husband's death,' she said. 

At the prime of his career he was a real giant, reported at the time to weigh 500 pounds (225 kilos) and stand 6-feet-8 - or 2.03 meters.

The United States ambassador to Japan 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.

'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 was an 11-time grand tournament winner and he retired in 2001.

The family's statement said friends and family will hold a 'private celebration of his life.' He is survived by his wife, Christine, daughter and two sons.

'The family kindly asks for privacy during this time of mourning,' the statement said.