Art Barr | Drug-Induced Heart Attack

Art Barr was an American professional wrestler and superstar known for participating in Mexico’s Asistencia Asesoría y Administración as well as his many unique ring names. Unfortunately, Barr passed away from a drug-induced heart attack in 1994.

How Art Barr Died

On November 23, 1994, Art Barr died from a drug-induced heart attack at the age of 28. He was found dead at his home in Springfield, Oregon, next to his child who was asleep at the time.

Immediate reports indicated Barr died from unknown circumstances, while some believed Bar suffered an aneurysm which caused his death. However, drugs and alcohol were found in his system and he had no history of ring injuries or heart problems.

About Art Barr

Arthur Leon Barr (Art Barr) was born on October 8, 1966, in Portland, Oregon. Roddy Piper, who would later become a Canadian professional wrestler himself, grew up with Barr.

Sandy Barr, also a wrestler, was the father of Arthur. Arthur had three brothers JR, Sean, and Jesse Barr who was a wrestler as well.

Art attended Oregon State University as a wrestler, but later made his debut at the Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW) territory in 1987.

Ring Names

Over the years and during his WWF (later changed to WWE) career, he obtained various ring names in addition to Art Barr, including:

• Beetlejuice
• The Juicer
• The Witcher
• The Intruder
• The American Love Machine

Sexual Abuse Conviction

In 1990, Barr joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW). However, Barr previously raped a 19-year-old girl in July 1989. The victim later filed charges which led to a sexual abuse conviction for Barr.

Lucha Libre

Barr continued his career as “The American Love Machine Art Barr” when he participated in the Konnan Mexican promotion Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre (EMLL). He fought the Blue Panther during a mask match.

Afterward, Barr joined the Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), performing as a tag team with Eddie Guerrero, known as La Pareja del Terror (The Pair of Terror).

Los Gringos Locos

The tag team achieved continued success, leading them to add other wrestlers to their faction including Jake Roberts, Black Cat, Konnan, Madonna’s Boyfriend, King Lion, and others. This group would later be known as the Los Gringos Locos (The Crazy Americans).

Other Career Highlights

Barr participated in the When World Collide pay-per-view (PPV) event on November 6, 1994 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. This event saw Barr facing off with El Hijo del Santo & Octagon.

Barr competed in the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Later in 1994, he wrestled in the New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Art Barr’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

Before participating in the WCW, Barr was charged with possession of cocaine in the late 1980s. From 1992-1994, after his sexual abuse conviction and leaving Oregon to work in Mexico, he began to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Although Barr was sentenced to 180 hours of community service due to his first-degree sexual abuse charge from the rape he committed in 1989, there is no known evidence Barr attempted to seek treatment for his struggle with drug abuse.

Recovery Is Possible

Although Ark Barr lived a unique life, his history of drug and alcohol abuse played a role in his death. However, a lifetime of drug and alcohol abuse doesn’t need to end in tragedy, and recovery is possible with a combination of treatment services and supportive resources.

To learn how we treat addiction and mental health, please contact us today.