It is with deep sadness to report that Mike “California Hippie” Boyette (Mike Bowyer) passed away on Thursday in Mobile, Alabama aged 71. Bowyer broke his hip several months ago but never recovered.

Bowyer formed the original Hollywood Blondes alongside Micky Doyle and worked for Bill Watts in the UWF prior to the promotion merging with the National Wrestling Alliance. He is also credited with helping Michael Hayes break into the wrestling business.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has a blog up on his official website discussing his memories of Bowyer at this link.