Kamala Tested Positive For COVID-19 Last Week
Update: 11:00 p.m ET
Jason King Of Bleacher Report spoke with Kamala’s wife shortly after his passing. She revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 on August 5, likely contracted from a visit at the dialysis center he visits weekly. He was hospitalized Wednesday, and passed away Sunday after noon after a cardiac arrest.
Spoke w/ Kamala’s wife. He tested positive Wednesday for COVID which he likely contracted from one of his numerous weekly visits to the dialysis center. Was hospitalized Wednesday night & seemed fine & in good spirits this morning. Went into cardiac arrest & passed this afternoon
— Jason King (@JasonKingBR) August 10, 2020
King stated he spoke with Kamala a few weeks back, and shared a photo of the two together.
Rest In Peace, my friend. Thank you for everything, especially our conversation a few weeks ago. I’m glad you’re not hurting anymore. #kamala pic.twitter.com/MlOWSnXyOU
— Jason King (@JasonKingBR) August 9, 2020
Original Report
James Harris, better known to fans as Kamala has passed away at age 70.
The news of his passing was first revealed by WWE Hall Of Famer Koko B Ware, and later confirmed by the Cauliflower Alley Club.
The CAC family wishes to extend our sincerest condolences to the family friends and fans the world over upon the news that the legendary James "Kamala" Harris has passed away at the age of 70. Rest in Peace James. pic.twitter.com/7p0LUkkU4P
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) August 9, 2020
Harris has been dealing with numerous health issues over the last decade, including the loss of both legs due to complications with diabetes. In 2017, Harris underwent emergency surgery due to fluids around his heart and lungs.
WWE issued the following
WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.
Under the frightening face paint of Kamala, the 6-foot-7, 380-pound Harris battled the greatest Superstars in sports-entertainment history, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant.
He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.
WWE extends its condolences to Harris’ family, friends and fans.
His career spanned several decades, beginning in 1978 under the name Sugar Bear. He was a mainstay in the South, and worked various promotions including Continental Wrestling Alliance, Mid-South Wrestling, WCCW, AWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, and eventually WWE.
He had a short run in WWE in 1984, then worked various other promotions including AWA, All Japan Pro Wrestling and Jim Crockett Promotions. He returned to WWE in 1986, then left in 1988 to work for CMLL, USWA, and WCCW. He made another return to WWE in 1992, having noteable matches with The Undertaker and The Ultimate Warrior.
Following his departure in 1993, he worked for several independent promotions and had a brief run in WCW. He made sporadic appearances for WWE from 2001 – 2006. His last match was in 2010 for Juggalo Championship Wrestling.
Check out a recent interview with James “Kamala” Harris from 2019 with HannibalTV.
We send our condolences to his family and friends.