By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
Buddy Colt (Ron Read) died on Friday at age 85. The news was announced by the Cauliflower Alley Club, but the cause of death was not disclosed.
Powell’s POV: Colt was a star in multiple territories before a plane crash ended his career in 1975. Colt was the pilot of the plane that crashed in Tampa Bay, and the passengers were Bobby Shane, Gary Hart, and Austin Idol. Hart and Idol suffered injuries in the crash, and Shane lost his life. Colt broke both ankles and stated later that he tried to work three tag team matches once he recovered from the crash before realizing that he could no longer perform in the ring. He went on to work as a booker, a referee, and a commentator. Colt spoke about the crash in a 2019 interview that can be read here.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of the legendary Buddy Colt at the age of 81 years old. We send our sincerest condolences to his wife Lorraine, his two daughters, friends & fans the world over. R.I.P. Buddy, with love & respect you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/LSPSyUlvCA
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) March 5, 2021
Was he 85 or 81 as the tweet states?
Fair question and I spent a lot of time trying to figure that out. He listed his birthday on his Facebook page without the year. But I also noticed that the CAC, who listed 81 in the tweet, wrote on Facebook that he was 85. So I think they were just mistaken in the tweet, as 85 meshes with some of the articles I read regarding the plane crash and his age at that time. I will definitely edit the story if I find out that 85 is not accurate.
Buddy co hosted CWF w/Gordon Solie too
Appreciate it. Thanks