Gene LeBell Dies At 89

Above, Gene LeBell and yours truly at the Superman Celebration in August 2014.

Gene LeBell, the "Godfather of Grappling", has died at age 89.

According to SBNation:

Judo champion and longtime Hollywood stuntman Gene LeBell passed away at age 89 on Tues. (Aug. 9) leaving behind a combat sports legacy that extends across boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling.

He was a good friend of actor George Reeves. I had the honor of meeting LeBell in 2014 at the Superman Celebration at the Beverly Garland Hotel in Studio City. 

I found him to be a very friendly and humorous man.

My condolences to his friends and family.