Larry Sweeney Passes Away

[Troy]

I am very sorry to report Alex Whybrow, professionally known as Larry Sweeney, was found dead this morning in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he had been residing as well as training and wrestling independently in recent months.


The news, which was a major topic of conversation among those in the independent wrestling community this morning, was broken by Chris Hero, who had been one of Sweeney's closest friends via Twitter, writing:

"We lost a dedicated friend and an overwhelmingly talented performer this morning. Alex Whybrow aka "Sweet & Sour" Larry Sweeney has passed. We spent a few yrs together on the road & Alex was gifted beyond measure. He could enthrall you with colorful stories from his personal life or he could captivate thousands with his undeniable charisma. I loved him & my heart is with his family, friends & his countless fans. First he was my student & he transcended that almost immediately. I will forever cherish our in depth conversations & time spent together."
In speaking to a number of Sweeney's friends, I can confirm the cause of death was self-inflicted. Sweeney, who was only 29 years old, had very publicly and privately dealt with being bi-polar.

This is terrible news. I heard so many great things about Sweeney from his time in ROH and CHIKARA and you never want anyone to do this. He did have bi-polar and he had some bad moments with it but you never expect anyone to take their own life. He was only 29 years old and had so much more to offer.

RIP

 

[Seak]

This is a sad loss of an amazingly talented individual. Sweet and Sour Inc was made incredible because Sweeney was a perfect mouth piece for a heel stable. He was great any time he got on a mic and if it wasn't for his personal issues I honestly feel he would have made it huge in this profession.

 

[Keith]

Very shocking and deeply sad news. RIP and all the best to his family and friends.

 

[EffectsofRaven]

Eddie Edwards versus Chris Hero is gonna be awesome cause this is gonna be a tribute to Sweet and Sour INC clearly.

It sucks a proper decent manager has died... 29, shit what a bullshit does this industry do to people :/.

 

[Troy]

You can't blame the industry at all for this. He was bipolar and wrestling doesn't cause that illness. If he was a plumber or an office worker he would have had all these same issues.

 

[Chase]

That is true KFC, but that sucks Sweeney had died. I really enjoyed him in the ring, especially in Chikara is when I mostly watched his matches. R.I.P.

 

[EffectsofRaven]

I Was blaming the Industry in the sense, alot of people in the business seem to get seriously upset when things don't turn out like they dreamed; which of course might be even more serve with Larry Sweeney... Regardless, it sucks when a talent mic man dies.

Sweeney made the American Wolves amongst others credible in RoH.

 

[Troy]

Ring of Honor issued the following announcement:


“Sweet and Sour” Larry Sweeney was a one of a kind performer who riled up the fans and touched all those he became close with in his personal life. Sweeney’s compelling charisma and unique personality will never be forgotten by ROH fans and especially those friends that he was closest to.

During his time in ROH, Sweeney managed the likes of Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, Davey Richards, and many more gifted wrestlers that he took to the top. Sweeney was a highlight of every ROH event that he participated in, with his strong passion and intelligence for professional wrestling showing through. Sweeney captured the attention of every fan that saw him perform in and out of the ring.

Sweeney is deeply missed by everyone in Ring of Honor and we want to pay tribute to the man with a match that we know he would enjoy with not only two of Sweeney’s favorite current wrestlers, but two very close friends.

Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana will face the “Insane Savant” Delirious at “ROH Revolution: Canada” on May 7th when ROH returns to the Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto!

Delirious has not been seen in an ROH ring since August 2010 when he suffered a very serious injury at the hands of the All Night Express. One of the most distinctive competitors in the history of ROH, Delirious and his high energy style will return in Toronto after a long 9 month absence to pay tribute to one of his close friends.

Colt Cabana has repeatedly said that he wants straight-up, hold-for-hold competition without having to worry about a dirty move or shady trick. Cabana was very excited after receiving the news of his Toronto contest and he is certain it will be a great match representing honor and the memory of an overwhelmingly talented man.

“Larry Sweeney was a showman, an entertainer and a professional wrestler,” stated Cabana. “I can’t wait to dedicate this exhibition of those three things in a match versus another pro who feels the same way. I’m sure it will be an emotional match, but we all know Larry would’ve wanted everyone to smile, laugh and enjoy every second of the match. No doubt about it.”
It will undoubtedly be a fun and exciting match to honor a brother that we have all lost. “ROH Revolution: Canada” will be a roller coaster of emotions that you won’t want to miss.

I am glad that ROH are doing a tribute to Sweeney since he was a big part of ROH for a long time. Great match lined up as well with Delirious returning to the company to face Colt Cabana in what should be a good match.

 

[Keith]

Yeah, that is a really classy thing to do.