Luna Vachon | Oxycodone & Benzodiazepine Overdose Death

Luna Vachon, the ring name short for lunatic, was an American-Canadian professional wrestler and member of the famous Vachon family. 

Throughout her career, Vachon received countless awards and titles. Unfortunately, Luna Vachon passed away from an oxycodone and benzodiazepine overdose in 2010.

How Luna Vachon Died

Luna Vachon was found dead by her mother in her home in Pasco County, Florida, on August 27, 2010. The Medical Examiner’s office stated the cause of death was a drug overdose involving a benzodiazepine and oxycodone.

Paraphernalia for drug insufflation was discovered as well, implying Vachon may have snorted the drugs, which can greatly enhance the effects and increase the risk of overdose.

Luna Vachon’s History Of Substance Abuse & Rehab

Throughout her life, Luna suffered from bipolar disorder, resulting in manic and depressive episodes that lead to outbursts. 

In fact, the docuseries on Vice titled “Dark Side of the Ring” aired an episode in 2021 on Luna Vachon, discussing her struggles with substance abuse and her mental health issues.

Before attending rehab in 2009, Vachon stated she had an addiction to prescription medication. She also “self-medicated” by partaking in prescription drug abuse and binge drinking.

Rehab

Paid for by the WWE, Vachon successfully completed rehabilitation treatment in June 2009. She attended rehab due to an addiction to prescription medication.

About Luna Vachon

Born Gertrude Elizabeth Wilkerson, “Luna Vachon” was a ring name she developed later in her career. Some of the other ring names Vachon used include Trudy Head, Princess Luna, and Angel Baby.

Gertrude Vachon was born on January 12, 1962, in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up as part of the Vachon family in Canada, raised by her uncle “Mad Dog” Vachon and aunt Vivian Vachon as well as The Fabulous Moolah. 

Wrestling Beginnings

Vachon eventually made her debut at the Florida Championship Wrestling tournament in which she joined Kevin Sullivan’s Army of Darkness.

Vachon’s first match was against Madusa Miceli in which she sported her iconic and signature mohawk. In 1994, Vachon married David Heath, but later divorced in 2006. Also in 1994, Vachon became the first woman to appear in a WWF video game.

She participated in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) pay-per-view event before she became part of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which would later be named World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). 

WWF

While part of the WWF, Vachon’s first appearance took place at WrestleMania IX in 1993.

During this match, Vachon teamed up with Shawn Michaels against the superstar Tatanka. Once the match ended, however, Vachon fought the Sensational Sherri, creating yet another rivalry from brawling.

Luna joined a tag team with Bam Bam Bigelow to have a cage match against the Sensational Sherri and Tatanka in 1993, but Vachon injured her arm.

When Vachon’s old rival Madusa won the WWF Women’s Championship, Vachon eagerly awaited her turn as the women’s champion. However, Vachon soon left the WWF.

ECW & WCW

After departing the WWF, Vachon took part in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). She competed in a steel cage match against Stevie Richards and won.

In 1997, Vachon went head-to-head against her old rival Madusa during the World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Although unsuccessful, Vachon continued her career in women’s wrestling and later returned to the WWF as the wrestler Goldust’s manager.

Goldust later teamed with Marc Mero and Vachon fought against Sable. In 1998, Vachon joined the Human Oddities.

During the Survivor Series, she fought beside Gangrel, but was soon released by the WWF due to an outburst which occurred backstage.

Personal Troubles & Legacy

In 2009, she lost her home during a fire. Her friend and fellow wrestler Mick Foley urged fans to send Luna pro wrestling memorabilia due to the fact she lost all of her items in the fire.

Vachon was posthumously inducted into WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020. 

While she may not have ever achieved the women’s championship title, she paved the way for many female wrestlers who would enter the ring after her.

Recovery Is Possible

Prescription drug addiction has a fierce hold on the United States, but recovery is possible when you access an accredited treatment center and participate in treatment services such as behavioral therapy, peer support groups, and other evidence-based services.

To learn how we treat prescription drug addiction, please contact us today.