Joe King
This is the story of two lives taken way too soon. The tragic tale of ECW’s Pitbull #2 aka Anthony Durante and his live in Girlfriend Dianna Hulsey.
Anthony Durante, better known to wrestling fans as Pitbull #2, was one half of the hard-hitting ECW tag team The Pitbulls alongside Gary Wolfe (Pitbull #1). Managed by Francine for part of their ECW run, The Pitbulls became known for their intense, no-nonsense style and were among the most respected tag teams in Extreme Championship Wrestling. Together, the Pitbulls captured the ECW World Tag Team Championship. Durante also had success as a singles competitor, winning the ECW World Television Championship from Shane Douglas before losing it to Chris Jericho.
Sadly, Durante’s life came to a tragic end on September 25, 2003, when he was found dead in his Florida home at the age of 36. Also found deceased was his girlfriend, Dianna Hulsey. Both passed away from a Fentanyl-induced overdose. He and his girlfriend were found after lying in their home dead for days, with needle marks on their bodies, all while their two small children, a 21-month-old boy and 8-month-old girl, were apparently alone in the house among the bodies for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities determined that the couple died from an accidental drug overdose, with reports indicating the presence of multiple substances.
The news shocked many in the wrestling industry. Durante had been remembered as a physically imposing athlete who battled numerous injuries with painkillers and steroids throughout his wrestling career. Friends and colleagues recalled him as a tough competitor who had dedicated much of his life to professional wrestling.
The deaths of Anthony Durante and Dianna Hulsey became another heartbreaking chapter in the growing discussion surrounding substance abuse and addiction issues that affected many wrestlers of that era. Their passing served as a reminder of the personal struggles that can exist behind the larger-than-life characters seen on television.
Today, wrestling fans continue to remember Pitbull #2 for his contributions to ECW, his memorable tag team with Gary Wolfe, and the impact The Pitbulls had on the development of hardcore and extreme wrestling during the 1990s. He was inducted into The Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2014.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available through local treatment resources and support organizations.
David Fullam
Damn. Had no idea it was that upsetting. Knew he died, but was totally unaware of the rest of it. Heartbreaking. Those poor babies.
Kyle Prescott
Hate to correct you but I’m almost positive they passed in Rhode Island. Still a tragic story either way. I also think he was working at Foxwoods casino in CT when he passed.