‘The Patriot’ Del Wilkes Passes Away

The Patriot was featured on WWE programming as a patriotic character waving the red, white, and blue American flag. We are so sad to learn that he has passed away, days prior to the 4th of July.

Allen Wright Adkins broke the sad news via Facebook that Del Wilkes has passed away. He was 59 years old. As of this writing no cause of death has been reported.

At the request of his family, its with a devastated heart that I let you know Heaven gained one of the most special men I’ve ever had the honor to know today. Del Wilkes, I’ve loved you for 40 years and always will. Rest in peace, my dear friend…you’ll be missed more than you could ever know.

Wilkes was an All-American football player for the University of South Carolina. He was one of only four consensus All-American football payers in the history of the school. He later entered the pro wrestling world after his time in football.

Memorials are now flooding the Internet Wrestling Community as fans share their favorite memories from the iconic Patriot character. This is an incredibly sad passing and there were plans for Wilkes as well. Sean Sapp confirmed that he had an interview with The Patriot all ready to release on July 4th.

Our thoughts are with the Wilkes family during this sad time. RIP.