Former sumo wrestler Kaneshiro died of a heart attack on Sunday, his family said Tuesday.

He was 49 years old.

Kaneshiro, who was also known as Tochihikari, wrestled in 60 tournaments in the top makuuchi division between 1974 and 1985 and won the Fighting Spirit prize three times.

He climbed to sumo's third highest rank of sekiwake in 1977 and retired in 1987.