Breaking News: Matt 'Doink' Borne Passes Away

Matt Osbourne, known to wrestling fans as Matt Borne/the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. He was 56. He had been staying in Texas recently, and was found this morning by his girlfriend. More details as they become available.

On behalf of everyone here on the website, I would like to extend our condolences to the family, friend and fans of Mr. Osbourne.

R.I.P. Borne. He really defined one of the most memorable and original gimmicks of the 90s.

RIP

UPDATE x 3: TMZ reports that police in Plano Texas have launched a homicide investigation in the matter of Matt Osborne's death. However, sources say that this is just a matter of following process and that everything thus far indicates an accidental death. As odd as it sounds, this is normal for the investigation to be labeled "homicide" at the beginning.

UPDATE x 2: TMZ.com has posted a story on the death of Matt "Doink the Clown" Borne. Numerous other media outlets are starting to pick up on the story as well and that will continue over the weekend. Here is the TMZ.com article:

Ex-WWE star Doink the Clown -- a hugely popular wrestler in the '90s -- was found dead today in Texas.

Doink, real name Matt Osborne, was known for pulling pranks on the other wrestlers ... all while decked out in full greasepaint and a green wig.

Details about Doink's death are unclear at this point -- but his girlfriend reportedly found him dead in her home ... where he'd been staying lately.

After leaving the WWE, he continued wrestling for ECW and independent leagues ... still sporting the clown costume.

More recently, he's been attending wrestling conventions and doing autograph sessions with fans.

Doink was 55.