Hawaii-born sumo wrestler Akebono Taro dies of heart failure aged 54: Was first ... trends now
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A Hawaii-born sumo wrestler has died of heart failure at the age of 54 after being the first foreigner to reach 'grand champion' level in a Japanese sport.
Akebono Taro, who was born Chad George Ha'aheo Rowan, grew up on the rural side of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu.
Taro was the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo´s highest rank, in 1993, and he 'opened the door' for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport, according to U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.
His death was announced in a statement from his family. 'It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area,' the family said.
His wife Christine Rowan, in an email to The Associated Press, said he died 'within the past week' but declined to give details.
Hawaiian-born Taro Akebono, Japan's top Sumo wrestler, takes part in a ceremony in
