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How did Jimmy Rave die? Pro wrestler, 39, had both legs amputated

'James was one of my kids and his loss hurts me and many others, and we wish we could have saved him, but we could not,' said his agent Bill Behrens

Former Pro Wrestler and Impact Wrestling star James Michael Guffey, more famous by his ring name Jimmy Rave, has tragically died at the age of 39. The news of his untimely death was confirmed by wrestling agent Bill Behrens who released an elaborate statement in remembrance of Rave. The statement was co-written by Behrens and Rave's daughter Kailah. "James is survived by his ex-wife Felicia, daughter Kailah, son James II, and his parents Jim & Toni Guffey. At the time of his death, he was living in Philadelphia, PA area with Gabby Gilbert," noted the statement. 

Born on December 8, 1982, James 'Jimmy Rave' Guffey debuted in the wrestling domain in 1999. With a successful career spanning over two decades, he rose to fame as a two-time NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion. He was named the 'Crown Jewel' in Ring of Honor and contested in Japan Pro Wrestling towards the later part of his career. He also served as a booker for many years at Rampage Pro Wrestling, where he managed a faction called 'Jimmy Rave Approved'. "James was one of my kids and his loss hurts me and many others, and we wish we could have saved him, but we could not," Bill Behrens mourned. 

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How did Jimmy Rave die?

Rave reportedly struggled with drug addiction for a long time, according to Behrens. In June 2021, he was diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in both his legs, which resulted in a double amputation. "Apparently it's time for me to come clean. This past June I began having trouble walking & went to my surgeon. He determined I had MRSA in both legs & they needed to be amputated immediately. Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I've had a history w/this and would cancel," the wrestler himself had noted in a tweet from October 24. 

The funeral and memorial services for the late star would be held in Georgia and details of the same will be released later. Meanwhile, Rave's tragic death was mourned by hundreds of his fans and fellow wrestlers, who remembered him with heartbreaking tributes. 

"Can’t stop thinking about how Jimmy Rave must have felt going through all his health issues. My heart breaks for him. Sending extra Love to everyone effected by this loss," tweeted retired wrestler Shelly Martinez. 

Impact Wrestling also posted a note mourning the legendary wrestler's death. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Guffey, otherwise known as Jimmy Rave. We offer our sincere condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time. Rave made his IMPACT debut in 2002 during The Asylum Years & became a mainstay of the X-Division," the wrestling association tweeted. 

Lance Archer also tweeted in remembrance of him, "RIP my brother! Jimmy Rave," while wrestler Eddie Kingston mourned, "I hope you find peace Jimmy. I know it was hard my man, you are a great dude to me always and hugged me so hard last time I saw you. A mind for the this sport that very few had. R.I.P. Jimmy Rave."

Major League Wrestling icon Richards Wesley tweeted, "I hope you have found the peace you were searching for here. You had a heart of gold. RIP Jimmy Rave."