?Reported by Ben Bauer of WrestleView.com

On Monday, July 11, 2005 at 3:44 PM EST

Shinya Hashimoto, a former IWGP champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as a former Triple Crown Champion in All Japan Pro Wrestling, passed away this morning at the age of 40. Early report suggest the cause of death was a brain aneurysm, but that's not certain yet.

Hashimoto, along with winning the titles mentioned above, was also part of NJPW's "Three Musketeers", along with Keiji Mutoh , who is also sometimes known as The Great Muta, and Masahiro Chono. Hashimoto also had a run in the U.S a few years ago, when he battled with Steve Corino over the NWA Heavyweight Title. Hashimoto also founded the ZERO-ONE promotion, where U.S. stars like Steve Corino, Samoa Joe, Spanky, and others work or have worked.

All of us here at Wrestleview send our condolences to Hashimoto's family and friends in this very sad and tragic time.

Credit: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com