Tim White, Longtime WWE Referee And André The Giant Handler, Dead At 68

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Tim White, a longtime former WWE referee and handler to legendary wrestler André the Giant, has died at the age of 68.

WWE confirmed White's death in a news release shared on its official website Sunday (June 19).

"WWE is saddened to learn that long-time referee Tim White has passed away," the company wrote. "For more than two decades, Tim White was a dedicated WWE referee and official. White began his illustrious career in 1985 working with Andre the Giant and as a part-time referee."

White's career with WWE spanned from 1985-2004, which included officiating the legendary Hell in a Cell match between The Undertaker and Mick Foley -- in-character as "Mankind" -- in which the Undertaker threw Foley off the 16-foot structure and through an announce table.

White nearly stopped the match in fear that Foley was seriously injured and needed immediate medical attention but Foley refused and the match continued, becoming one of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history.

White experienced a shoulder injury during a later Hell in a Cell match between Triple H and Chris Jericho at the 2002 Judgement Day pay-per-view and later made his return to officiate the match between Jericho and Christian, though re-injuring his shoulder during the final three count, which resulted in the end of his referee career.

White also made numerous appearances in the HBO documentary André the Giant, providing insight on the wrestling legend as one of his closest friends and longtime handler.

White was also the former owner of the bar, "The Friendly Tap" -- located in Cumberland, Rhode Island -- which was featured numerous times on WWE television, including a memorable bar fight scene involving the APA (Faarooq and Bradshaw)


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