Tab Thacker, the former NCAA wrestling champion and movie actor, died Thursday (Dec 27) night after several years of declining health. He was 45.
The 6-foot-5 450-pound Thacker won the NCAA wrestling championship in 1984, took three-time All-American and four-time Atlantic Coast Conference champion during four seasons at N.C. State University.
After his wrestling career, Thacker went on to appear in several Hollywood films, including City Heat, Wildcats, Police Academy 4, Police Academy 5 and Identity Crisis.
Retired from films, Thacker became a bail bondsman in Raleigh.
Thacker developed diabetes several years ago, and the disease became progressively worse with the passage of time. He had a foot amputated several years ago, and lost both legs in the last few months.
Source:charlotte; gopack Tags: Tab Thacker, NCAA Championship, Death