SUMO wrestler legend and 11-time grand tournament winner Akebono Taro has died leaving WWE fans devastated.
His wife of more than two decades, Christiane Reiko Kalina, announced the star's passing in a heartfelt message in April 2024.
Who is Akebono Taro's wife Christiane?
Christiane was born on a US military base in Japan to an American father and a Japanese mother.
She graduated from Indiana State in 1993.
And later went to work in administration at the University of Maryland's campus on the Yokota Air Base.
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How did Akebono Taro meet Christiane and when did they marry?
Because Akebono likes to keep his personal life private, it is not known how the couple met.
In February 1998, the wrestler announced his engagement to Christiane.
The dazzling moment took place at a dinner at Tokyo's New Sanno with the presence of the press.
Wearing an elegant green kimono he told reporters what he asked his Christiane: "How would you like to spend the rest of your life with me?"
The WWE star's wife previously described Akebono as "an ordinary man" who likes to eat ham sandwiches.
Do Akebono Taro and Christiane have any children?
Akebono previously revealed part of the reason he fell for Christiane was her dual nationality, as they both could speak English and Japanese with their children.
Before the couple tied the knot, Christiane was more than five months pregnant with their first child.
The couple now share two sons and a daughter together.
How did Akebono Taro die?
Akebono Taro died from heart failure at the age of 54 after spending a year in hospital battling a cardiac illness.
He previously collapsed in Kitakyushu in Japan seven years ago and had reportedly been in hospital near Tokyo.
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Hawaii-born Akebono died while receiving treatment, his family said.
His family said: "It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area."
The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, paid tribute to Akebono - describing him as a "giant in the world of sumo".
He said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan.
"When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo's highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport.
"Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport."
