Sad news (via MCN) - Mike Bell, the brother of BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER* director Christopher Bell and one of the subjects of that documentary, died Sunday in Costa Mesa, CA. He was 37. Mike Bell, who is seen in the film struggling with his lack of success in the World Wrestling Federation, had been at a sober living facility and was, according to his brother, celebrating 60 days of sobriety.
From the family's local Poughkeepsie Journal:
Chris said he bought his brother tickets for them to attend an upcoming Metallica concert as a Christmas gift and that Mike was looking forward to it.
"He was excited to get out of the sober living place for a while," Chris said. "Everything that he's done in his life caught up to him. His life is a cautionary tale for any kids out there who turn to drugs and alcohol."
Our condolences.
Our deepest condolences go out to The Bell family. We had the pleasure of meeting Chris, Mike, and the whole Bell and BSF* families at Sundance last year -- what a wonderful group of people.
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Patrick, Christine, TJ and the entire "I.O.U.S.A." Team
Posted by: patrick creadon | December 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
My deepest condolences to th Bell family. Mike was a great guy and will be missed buy all of us hear in Hopewell jct NY .... We loved watching his matches at the civic center, we where proud of him .... Gone but never out of our hearts....
Posted by: John Booth | December 26, 2008 at 03:33 PM
from mike's parents, please know that we know that Michael is with the Lord now. He had turned his life around completely and his last conversation with me was the day before he passed. He told me "you were right, you and daddy were right, it's all about trusting the Lord and not yourself, I serve a loving God" when we got to CA we saw all the work Mike was doing, he was gathering people from all over that had addictions and driving them to AA programs. He was a wonderful, bright young man, and our hearts are broken. For those in the NY area, there will be a memorial service on Jan. 10 @ 10 am at Faith Assembly on 254 Spackenkill Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Pasotr Edward Jones officiating. Mike loved him, and he is our Pastor. All are welcomed and we would love it if you can make it, as we need your love, support and prayers. We are forever greatful for Bigger Stronger Faster* movie that featured our boys and their love for each other. Blessings, Mike & Rosemary Bell
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Posted by: Julian | May 07, 2009 at 02:59 PM
Condolence to the family of Bell. He's fought to become fine again in a sober living facility, hope they helped him a lot
-sam hadley
Posted by: sober living houses | August 09, 2009 at 12:52 AM
The Lord calls us home, during hard times or good times, WE ARE IN HIS TIMING. We are blessed to stand in his sight! I never knew him personally, however Mike and I seemed to have shared the same faith in God. I know in my heart his family will see him again one sweet day!
God Bless you!
Loved BIGGER STRONGER FASTER! GREAT JOB GUYS!
Posted by: Benjamin & Danielle De Leon | July 21, 2010 at 08:36 PM