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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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Wrestler Mike Bell Dies In OC Rehab Home

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37-year-old "Mad Dog" Mike Bell was found dead over the weekend inside a Costa Mesa rehab home called Ramona House. The one-time professional wrestler whose life was the subject of brother Chris' documentary Bigger, Stronger, Faster, "was reportedly 60 days clean when his body was discovered by a roommate who had gone out to get something to eat," according to the OC Register. They add that Bell's brother "said the cause of his brother's death was still unknown but it could be attributed to the 'rough life' Mike Bell lived."

According to Yahoo! News, "An autopsy was conducted but investigators couldn't immediately determine the cause of death, said Dan Akin, a supervising deputy at the Orange County coroner's division. The coroner is awaiting the results of toxicology tests, he said."

LAist interviewed Chris this July about the film, which looks at the use of steroids in professional sports. The Register reports that "The WWE issued a statement saying: 'Although Mr. Bell was never under a WWE contract, WWE extends its deepest condolences to the Bell Family.'"

Pcitured: Chris Bell (center) with his brothers Mike “Mad Dog” Bell (left) and Mark “Smelly” Bell (right)

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