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By Zachary Swickey

This morning, one of my childhood heroes, Macho Man Randy Savage (born: Randall Mario Poffo), was in a fatal car accident. Savage lost control of his vehicle for "unknown reasons," CNN reports, and collided in to a tree. At 58 years old and only one year into his new marriage, Savage had plenty of life ahead of him that was cut short.

While the star became an icon through his wrestling career, he also made a splash in other forms of media. Not many other stars can boast such a vast array of appearances. "Baywatch," "Mad About You," and "Walker Texas Ranger" all featured the burly star. Savage even got to spar with Spider-Man himself, playing Bone Saw McGraw in the franchise's 2002 film. His distinctive raspy voice landed him some appearances in animated form a few times as well, including "Family Guy," "Space Ghost," "King of the Hill" and, more recently, Disney's "Bolt."

Savage even took a shot at rapping with his 2003 album Be a Man, which was playfully directed at his longtime nemesis, Hulk Hogan. Apparently, the stars had actual beef they were finally squashing, according to a series of tweets from Hogan, who wrote that he was "devastated" by his former rival's passing, as the two had just begun talking for the first time in over 10 years.

"He had so much life in his eyes & his spirit, I just pray that he's happy and in a better place and we miss him," Hogan lamented.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is also troubled by the loss of one of his wrestling idols. "RIP Randy 'Macho Man' Savage -- you were one of my childhood inspirations and heroes," he tweeted. "Strength, love and prayers to the Savage/Poffo family."

Growing up, my brothers and I would mimic Macho and other stars of the WCW. The trampoline was our wrestling ring, and we created Championship belts that even Martha Stewart would be proud of. While I was the Ultimate Warrior, my brother always insisted on being Macho Man -- complete with a neon outfit and a colored cowboy hat. He would ascend the roof of our detached garage and shout Macho's signature phrase, "Ohhhh, yeahhhh!" before attempting to land on me (and unfortunately often succeeding). Macho's regal entrance music he "Pomp and Circumstance" could not have been more fitting for the star full of swag. He was a larger-than-life figure who meant so much more to us than the "Snap into a Slim-Jim!" character many recall. His positivity and inspiration will be truly missed.