The Tragic Von Erich Deaths in The Iron Claw: A Story of Unbelievable Loss

Unveiling the Von Erich Curse

A24's The Iron Claw has left a lasting impact on audiences, not just for its portrayal of joy and humor, but also for the heart-wrenching tragedies that befall the Von Erich family. The biographical sports drama takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as it delves into the lives of the four Von Erich brothers from Texas, who followed in their father's footsteps to become pro wrestlers, only to be haunted by the Von Erich curse. Starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Holt McCallany, and Lily James, the film captures the incredible and devastating true story of the Von Erichs.

David (Harris Dickinson), Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White) and Mike (Stanley Simons) Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

What sets The Iron Claw apart is the sheer unbelievability of Kevin Von Erich's true story. The constant battle with death that the Von Erichs faced over the years goes beyond the realm of tragedy, making it a story that is both upsetting and beyond belief. The film's impact lies in its portrayal of the family's struggle with the unimaginable, drawing viewers into a world of sorrow and loss. Notably, The Iron Claw brings to light the stories of all the Von Erich brothers, except for Chris Von Erich, who tragically died by suicide at a young age.

Doris and Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw with their kids

The Von Erich curse is a haunting presence throughout the film, and it becomes evident that the family's history is marked by a series of tragic events. Each death, both on and off-screen, serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless sorrow that plagued the Von Erichs, leaving an indelible mark on their legacy.

The Von Erich brothers and father hugging in a wrestling ring in The Iron Claw.

The Unspoken Tragedies

The Von Erich family's journey is marred by a series of heart-wrenching losses, each more devastating than the last. The first member to be touched by tragedy was Jack Adkisson Jr., the eldest son of Jack Adkisson, also known as Fritz Von Erich, and Doris Von Erich. His untimely death, though not depicted on-screen, casts a long shadow over the family, signaling the beginning of an inexplicable curse.

The Von Erich brothers playing football in The Iron Claw.

In real life, Jack's tragic demise at the tender age of six serves as a chilling premonition of the dark fate that awaited the Von Erich brothers. His accidental electrocution and subsequent drowning in Niagara Falls, New York, foreshadowed the harrowing pattern of misfortune that would haunt the family for years to come. Jack's death stands as a haunting testament to the inescapable tragedy that awaited the Von Erichs.

Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich in The Iron Claw.

Following Jack's heartbreaking loss, the family was once again struck by tragedy when David Von Erich, the third-eldest brother, met a premature end. The film portrays his rise as a popular wrestler alongside his brother Kevin, culminating in a fateful trip to Japan where he succumbed to enteritis. However, the real-life circumstances surrounding David's death reveal a more complex and haunting narrative, shrouded in speculation and unspoken sorrows.

Zac Efron's Kevin, Jeremy Allen White's Kerry, and Harris Dickinson's David talking to a host in The Iron Claw

David's untimely passing at the age of 26, attributed to enteritis in the film, is shadowed by lingering questions about the true cause of his demise. The possibility of a drug overdose and the tragic loss of his daughter add layers of tragedy to David's story, painting a haunting picture of unspoken sorrows that the film does not fully capture.

One of the Von Erich brothers singing on a guitar in The Iron Claw

The next blow to the Von Erich family came with the tragic fate of Mike Von Erich, the fifth son, whose life took a tumultuous turn following the death of his brother David. In the film, his descent into a coma and subsequent suicide are portrayed with heartbreaking detail, yet the real events leading to his demise reveal a different and equally tragic story.

Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich Looking Behind Him in The Iron Claw

A Legacy of Unimaginable Loss

The final chapter of the Von Erich family's tragic saga unfolds with the heartbreaking end of Kerry Von Erich, the fourth son, whose life was marred by a series of devastating events. The film depicts his triumphs in the wrestling ring, his harrowing motorcycle accident, and ultimately, his tragic demise by suicide. The real events that led to Kerry's untimely death paint a haunting picture of a man tormented by unspoken anguish and overwhelming loss.

Kerry's journey, from his athletic achievements to his personal struggles, is a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit that was overshadowed by the weight of the Von Erich curse. The film's portrayal of his harrowing journey captures the essence of a man haunted by tragedy, and his final act of despair serves as a sobering reminder of the unimaginable loss that befell the Von Erich family.

The legacy of the Von Erich family is one marked by unfathomable sorrow and inexplicable loss. Their story, as depicted in The Iron Claw, is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of tragedy and the unspoken sorrows that haunt the human spirit. The film's portrayal of the Von Erich curse and the devastating series of events that befell the family leaves a lasting impression, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of the Von Erichs.