WWE sent out the following:

Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away.

A beloved Superstar throughout his time in sports-entertainment, Virgil broke through alongside “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and would go on to capture the Million Dollar Title, claim WrestleMania victories, and be featured as the original bodyguard of The nWo during a legendary career.

Jones’ journey began after a conversation with Tony Atlas, and he then began training with WWE Hall of Famer Afa of The Wild Samoans. After initial success on the regional scene as Soul Train Jones, including scoring tag team gold alongside The Rock’s Father, Rocky Johnson, Jones found his home in WWE as Virgil.

Jones served as the bodyguard for “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and played a role in helping DiBiase and Andre the Giant end Hulk Hogan’s legendary near four-year WWE Title reign. After their relationship turned into a rivalry, Virgil and DiBiase would battle at WrestleMania VII and then at SummerSlam 1991 where Virgil would claim the Million Dollar Championship.

At WrestleMania VIII, Virgil teamed with Big Boss Man, Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan to defeat The Nasty Boys, Repo Man and The Mountie. In the following years, Virgil interacted with and faced off against some of the biggest Superstars in WWE, including “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Yokozuna, Bret Hart and many more.

WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends and fans.