wrestlingnewsplus.com is learning through various sources that former-WWE Champion Pedro Morales has passed away at the age of 76.

Hence, WWE has issued the following statement:
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales has passed away.

Former WWF Champion Pedro Morales has passed away at age 76. …

A native of Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, Morales moved to New York in his youth and debuted in the ring in 1959 at age 17.

After establishing his reputation as a fiery competitor in WWE on the east coast, Morales traveled west to territories in Texas and California, where he competed for much of the 1960s. In California, he battled The Destroyer in a famous rivalry, and formed a popular tag team with Pepper Gomez.

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Morales returned to WWE in 1970, and in less than a year, he captured the WWE Championship from Ivan Koloff inside Madison Square Garden. During his nearly three years on top, Morales developed a passionate following in the northeast, particularly among New York City’s growing Hispanic population.

Morales was the first WWE Triple Crown Champion, winning the WWE, Intercontinental & Tag Team Championships. His death comes just days after the 48th anniversary of Morales winning the WWE Championship from Ivan Koloff.

Morales was the first Puerto Rican champion in company history, and a hero to Puerto Rican wrestling fans all over. Morales’s two Intercontinental title reigns currently hold the record for most combined days with the title at 619. Morales is survived by his son Pedro Morales Jr.

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

Pedro Morales, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995, earned the respect of his peers and his fans by balancing his integrity with his tactical prowess and championship pedigree.