It's been nearly 19 years since Owen Hart's life met a tragic and shocking end at the WWF Over the Edge pay-per-view in 1999, but family members have ensured that his legacy and career are never forgotten.
Hart would have turned 53 years of age on Monday. Natalya - the niece of Hart - posted a touching photo of her late uncle on Instagram with a very thoughtful message:
Owen was part of the legendary Hart wrestling family, and worked closely alongside brother Bret. Widely considered one of the greatest wrestlers yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Owen was a two-time Intercontinental Champion and won four WWF Tag Team Championships.
But at the aforementioned 1999 Over the Edge pay-per-view, a horrible accident took Hart's life in front of over 16,000 shocked fans at the Kemper Arena in Kansas City. Hart was performing in his 'Blue Blazer' gimmick and was to be lowered from the rafters on a harness line.
However, there was a malfunction with a cable attached to his vest, and he fell 70 feet. Hart fell on top of the ring's turnbuckles and was immediately attended to by paramedics. But the injuries were too severe, and Hart died from internal bleeding that was caused by blunt force trauma.
Hart had tried the stunt numerous times before, though it's been reported that he felt uneasy about performing it in Kemper Arena. Bret - who had left for WCW less than two years earlier - admitted that he wished he was there so he could have held back Owen from performing the stunt.
In 2000, Hart's widow, Martha, was rewarded $18 million in a settlement with the WWF. Some of the money was used to start up The Owen Hart Foundation. Meanwhile, Bret and Natalya continue to pay tributes to Owen - who was one of the most lovable and admired wrestlers of his time.
He was gone too soon, but Owen's legacy continues to live on in the WWE Universe.