Jackass star and wrestler Stevie Lee Richardson has died aged 54.
The former TNA Wrestling star – best known for his run with the promotion as Puppet The Psycho Dwarf – sadly died ‘unexpectedly’ this week, and a GoFundMe has been set up in his honour to help his family with funeral costs.
The statement on the site reads: ‘Steve “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” Lee Richardson unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at his home in the morning.
‘He was beloved by many and has many friends that were family, fans that adored him, but only his brother Jim left to take care of final arrangements. Puppet has put smiles across the world with his hardcore attitude and lifestyle.
‘He is a legend in the art of Midget Wrestling. He needs our help to give him one last curtain call. Please donate what you can, share his memories with everyone, and share this fundraiser to give the Psycho Dwarf the best resting place possible.
‘All proceeds will be given to Jim Richardson to handle the services/burial costs. Thank you all so much and Puppet, we love you brother!’
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Stevie Lee, better known as “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” in the early days of TNA. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/tdVdCFkNCJ
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 10, 2020
IMPACT Wrestling – which changed its name from TNA in 2017 – has led the tributes on social media.
The company’s official Twitter account posted a gif of Puppet, and wrote: ‘It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Stevie Lee, better known as “Puppet The Psycho Dwarf” in the early days of TNA.
‘We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.’
RIP Stevie Lee aka Puppet the Psycho Dwarf. I’ll never forget the crazy tour of the UK we shared and the fun we all had. Godspeed my friend.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) September 11, 2020
Sharing a tribute, wrestler Frankie Kazarian wrote on Twitter: ‘RIP Stevie Lee aka Puppet the Psycho Dwarf. I’ll never forget the crazy tour of the UK we shared and the fun we all had. Godspeed my friend.’
Fans shared their sadness on social media, with one writing: ‘This year sucks Stevie Lee was one of the toughest guys ever may he rest in eternal peace.’
As one remembered the wrestler pulling a gun to Jeff Jarrett being ‘one of the funniest segments in TNA history’, another added: ‘He made the Asylum days hardcore. Really stood out. Reaper don’t take down another TNA star. Give it a rest.’
Elsewhere, Lee featured on reality series Half Pint Brawlers – which focused on him running his own wrestling company – and American Horror Story.
He also appeared in Jackass 3D, Baby Fever The Movie and Oz The Great and Powerful.
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