Another hit to a wrestling community still processing the deaths of Shad Gaspard and Hana Kimura, as GCW has announced the death of Danny Havoc. Havoc, whose real name was Grant Berkland, was 34 years old.
With a broken heart, the GCW family mourns the loss of Grant Berkland aka Danny Havoc.
— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) June 1, 2020
Danny was an incredibly talented, intelligent, caring & genuine person.
He was also an elite performer that entertained a generation of fans & inspired a generation of aspiring performers. pic.twitter.com/L7By79UEKN
The Iowa native had been wrestling since 2005. In addition to GCW, Havoc was known for his work with CZW & IWA Mid-South, and in Japan. He was famous for the death match style CZW is known for, and was at one point one of the promotion’s top stars. Along with Sami Callihan, he main-evented their marquee show, Cage of Death, in 2009.
This cuts too deep. Grant "Danny Havoc" Berkland. He was an inspiration to so many and a friend to all and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.
— CZW Combat Zone Wrestling (@combatzone) June 1, 2020
We can take a small comfort in knowing the entire wrestling community are sharing the same grief right now.#RIPDannyHavoc pic.twitter.com/2AbDxYRb6I
Absolutely heartbroken.
— The DRAW (@TheSamiCallihan) June 1, 2020
I wouldn’t be who I am today without Danny Havoc.
Absolute genius who never got the credit he deserved.
Im beyond privileged to been able to travel the world with him.
Reach out to your loved one. Life is so short.
Love you Grant.
RIP pic.twitter.com/wXg6zYLbnV
Last year, Berkland’s career was covered on the Vice TV documentary series The Wrestlers. It included working and interacting with a lot of familiar names, many of whom have been reacting to the news of his death on social media:
Goddamnit am I gonna miss you Grant...I didn't cry all night you did FU...fyi : Danny Havoc was not just a fearless and creative performer but also a talented artist and graphic designer. In fact I asked him to design the first AEW Mox shirt, he created the grenade design.
— Jon Moxley (@JonMoxley) June 1, 2020
I’m so sorry for Danny Havoc’s family, friends and fans.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) June 1, 2020
I didn’t know him well but all I’ve ever heard about him throughout the years painted him as a passionate, kind-hearted guy.
The pro wrestling community has lost yet another good one...
Take care of each other, guys. ❤️
I shared a locker room a few times w/ Danny Havoc but didn’t know him on a personal level. Reading all the wonderful stories/memories from his friends makes it clear that the we lost someone special.
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) June 1, 2020
My sincere condolences to his friends, family and fans. Rest in power, Danny.
Danny moved across the country in 2004 to follow his dreams. He wanted to be a deathmatch wrestler like Jun Kasai and Hayabusa! That's when I met him. We'd been close friends ever since.
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 1, 2020
Beyond that, as a human, he wast fun-loving, intelligent, creative, innovative, brave, and caring. Just an honest to goodness great guy. He had such a fun, dry, wicked, dark sense of humor and an amazing skill for art.
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 1, 2020
He put 100% of himself into everything he created. That's why on whatever platform he was on he shined. I could honestly go on and on, but I won't here. I want to spread some joy here because whenever I talk about my friend Danny Havoc, Grant, that's what it was.
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 1, 2020
For those wondering, the gift hasn't made it into the mail yet, it's still being assembled. I'm having it sent back to my place. I know he would have loved it.
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) June 1, 2020
Danny Havoc always extended kindness to me and welcomed me into the CZW family. My heart hurts for his friends and loved ones.
— The Bunny (@AllieWrestling) June 1, 2020
Rest easy, friend.
I don’t know what to say.
— (((David Starr))) (@TheProductDS) June 1, 2020
Fuck.
RIP Danny Havoc.
I can’t believe I typed that.
Such a sweet and intelligent person.
Fuck. pic.twitter.com/33OAxdGc3e
The loss of Danny Havoc is utterly tragic. Passionate about his wrestling, passionate about his art, and gone far - FAR - too soon. I loved his sly sense of humor, and he had a unique perspective to add to every conversation. Danny Havoc was a guy we all looked forward to seeing.
— Mike Quackenbush (@MikeQuackenbush) June 1, 2020
Berkland’s wife Brianne died earlier this year at age 27. There is no official word on his cause of death.
On behalf of the entire Cageside Seats community, we extend our love & support to everyone hurting from the loss of another life too soon.