It is with deep sadness to report that Gene Petit, best known for his portrayal of the Cousin Luke character alongside Hillbilly Jim for the World Wrestling Federation passed away earlier this morning.

Petit, who also worked for AWA and other independent wrestling promotions, was also heavily involved with the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, New York, sitting on the organization’s Board of Directors.

On behalf of Wrestling-News.Net, we would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Gene “Cousin Luke” Petit.