TMZ.com is reporting that WWE Hall of Famer “Mean” Gene Okerlund suffered what was described as a “nasty fall” back in December, which ended up triggering a very rapid decline in his overall health according to his son Todd.

According to Todd Okerlund, Gene suffered multiple broken ribs after the fall at his home in Florida and was said to be in “frail health” even before the fall took place. Four days before his passing at the age of 76, Okerlund was admitted to a nursing home.

Earlier in the week, Okerlund had trouble breathing. He was rushed to a hospital on Wednesday where he ended up passing away. TMZ reports that Okerlund’s wife, Jeanne, was by his side when he passed away this week.

Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart and Eric Bischoff all commented on Okerlund’s passing yesterday on Twitter, with McMahon adding it was “impossible not to crack a smile” when Okerlund entered a room.

On behalf of the entire Wrestleview.com staff, we would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Okerlund during this very hard time.