Photo Credit: WWE
Owen Hart’s promising career came to an abrupt and tragic end on May 23, 1999, in Kansas City. During a wrestling stunt gone horribly wrong, Owen plummeted 8 storeys from the top of Kansas City’s Kemper Arena, tragically suffering fatal injuries. His death, officially ruled an accident, was caused by blunt force trauma, leading to internal bleeding. He was pronounced dead at Truman Medical Center, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
The aftermath of Owen Hart’s death reverberated across the wrestling world and beyond. Nearly 18 months later, Martha Hart reached a wrongful death settlement with the World Wrestling Federation Entertainment (WWFE), a battle fought on behalf of she and a professional and competent team of lawyers both in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Calgary, led by Pipella Law’s late Edward S. Pipella, Q.C.
At the time, Pipella Law, confirmed that an agreement had been reached, with the WWFE. Martha Hart, has fought for justice—beyond the financial settlement, she sought accountability from the WWE; all of which, is detailed in her book co-authored with Eric Francis: “Broken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hart.”
Twenty-five years later, Owen’s death has resurfaced in the public consciousness with the release of Netflix’s docuseries: “Mr. McMahon.” In it, former WWE CEO Vince McMahon once again denies responsibility for Owen Hart’s fatal accident. The comments have reignited old wounds for Martha Hart, who continues to express frustration over McMahon’s persistent refusal to admit fault. The shadow of that tragic night in Kansas City still looms large despite the years that have passed.
As wrestling fans continue to debate and discuss Owen Hart’s legacy, one truth remains: Owen’s story is not just about a promising athlete lost too soon. It is about a family’s relentless pursuit of justice, a widow’s fight for accountability, and an industry’s refusal to come clean.
And now, with the release of “Mr. McMahon,” it seems the battle for truth isn’t over yet. Owen Hart’s story will not fade into history—it is a tragic story that still haunts all of us today.