Former Okla. wrestling great Steve Williams, who wrestled professionally as ‘Dr. Death,’ dies

Wrestling’s ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams dies at 49

OKLAHOMA CITY — A former coach says Steve Williams, who wrestled professionally as “Dr. Death” after a successful college wrestling and football career, has died. He was 49.

Former University of Oklahoma wrestling coach Stan Abel says Williams’ family told him Williams died Tuesday night in Lakewood, Colo., after a long battle with throat cancer.

Williams was a four-time All-American as a heavyweight at Oklahoma from 1979-1982 and finished second nationally his senior year. He was an All-Big Eight Conference offensive guard for Oklahoma in 1982.

Current OU wrestling coach Jack Spates called Williams “one of the greatest athletes that the University of Oklahoma has ever produced.”