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UPDATE: As mentioned by Cagesider TJ_UK in the comments below, Insane Championship Wrestling has set up a GoFundMe to help cover his funeral expenses here.
Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum is gone too soon. He was 36 when word of his death hit the internet yesterday (June 19). But he spent about a third of his life entertaining fans from wrestling rings. Even if you weren’t familiar with the ICW and Preston City Wrestling star, his time on the United Kingdom and European independent scenes gave him an opportunity to work with countless names you probably are familiar with.
Many of those friends and colleagues have shared thoughts and remembrances on social media:
I always looked up to Lionheart’s professional approach to wrestling when it was far from that at the time. People like him were pivotal in the growth of a scene that has lead to so many people being able to do this for a living.
— Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) June 19, 2019
Thoughts are with those close to him. https://t.co/8WAtPTu0Il
Very shocked & saddened to hear this terrible news about @LionheartUK. I’d just received a message from him yesterday congratulating me on our new child. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. RIP Adrian.
— The VESSEL of Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) June 19, 2019
Breaks my heart. RIP my friend. You were always so wonderful to me and I’ll be forever grateful that I knew you. Give Trav a big hug from me. ❤️ https://t.co/6uhalxC2c4
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) June 19, 2019
Sleep well my brother. I’ll see you down the line #RIPLionheart pic.twitter.com/EjTFvxry6P
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) June 20, 2019
I'm crushed to hear the passing of Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum. I may not have known him very well but he was one of the first people to welcome me with open arms when I took my first tour to the U.K. #RIPLionheart
— Cedric Alexander (@CedricAlexander) June 19, 2019
I’m so sorry to Adrian’s friends and family, I don’t know what to say. everyone, please think of them during this time. Rest easy Pal, your brothers and sisters will see you in another dream. https://t.co/uBuOph42gn
— Nikki Cross (@NikkiCrossWWE) June 19, 2019
Saddened to hear of the passing of Lionheart. Condolences, love & support to his fans, friends & family. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/ijpL9UqmJF
— KASSIUS (KASH-US) (@KassiusOhno) June 19, 2019
Horrible news. Adrian and I butted heads when I was younger but he was so incredibly supportive for me and so many others and became a friend. He had so much passion for this business and it showed in his work and his wrestling company. Thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/nmAWNM8n4L
— Damian Mackle (@KillianDain) June 19, 2019
My person, my brother.
— Viper-Piper Niven (@viperpiperniven) June 19, 2019
I love you so much. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3j0SdhmZgn
RIP Adrian Lionheart McCallum.. my deepest condolences to his family. Very sad day.
— Robby Brookside (@RobbyBrookside) June 19, 2019
RIP LionHeart! He was always a true gent whenever we met! https://t.co/UNsswKlLmq
— Tegan Nox (@TeganNoxWWE_) June 19, 2019
Godspeed, Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum. I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but the words of so many of those I respect make me wish I did. Rest well, sir.
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) June 19, 2019
I had the pleasure of knowing Adrian McCallum for over 12 years. I got to work with him, work for him, share a lot of laughs with him & always enjoyed being around him. A truly heartbreaking day. My thoughts are with everyone who knew him, and loved him. Rest In Peace Lionheart. pic.twitter.com/AHwWXuod9f
— Ligero (@Ligero1) June 19, 2019
That is awful. Met Lionheart a few times over the years and worked with him last summer at WOS. A nice guy and a talented performer. RIP Adrian. https://t.co/ozZcuikZHc
— Stu Bennett (@StuBennett) June 19, 2019
Every time I’ve met you, you have been nothing but a sweetheart. I honestly cannot believe I’m writing this tweet.
— ᵂⁱˡˡ ᴼˢᵖʳᵉᵃʸ • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) June 19, 2019
Devastated doesn’t cover how I feel.
RIP Adrian Lionheart McCallum. pic.twitter.com/94yCqm9p0v
Love you my brother.
— GRADO (@gradowrestling) June 19, 2019
The Champ.
RIP @LionheartUK - we will never ever forget you.
Thank you for everything you done for the British wrestling scene...but more importantly for being our pal x pic.twitter.com/p1Nycvx1TU
#rip #lionheart you’ll be missed mate ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mYkMNhtDfM
— RKJ (@Ricky_KnightJr) June 19, 2019
Just heard about Lionheart, and I don't have the proper words for this just yet. We were just messaging back and forth a week or so ago. Adrian cared - really cared - about the right things, and he took pride in his work. To everyone that held him dear: my heartfelt condolences. pic.twitter.com/NscvGTSWJg
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) June 20, 2019
RIP Lionheart
— Kip Sabian (@TheKipSabian) June 19, 2019
Always super supportive to me, which will never be forgotten.
Thoughts and love are with his family right now ❤️
Heartbreaking news. Lionheart personified a world champion with his class both inside and outside the ring. My most sincere condolences to his friends and family. https://t.co/zNftNDUitd
— Angelico (@AngelicoAAA) June 19, 2019