Athena Christie Hart lives a quiet life as the daughter of a wrestling legend. Born in 1995, she faced tragedy at just three years old when her father, Owen Hart, died in a wrestling accident. Unlike her famous wrestling family, Athena has chosen a more private path, occasionally participating in philanthropic work through the foundation created in her father’s memory.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on September 23, 1995, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Athena Christie Hart entered the world as the daughter of professional wrestler Owen Hart and his wife Martha Hart. Growing up in the shadow of wrestling royalty, Athena was born into the legendary Hart family, known worldwide for their contributions to professional wrestling.
As the second child to Owen and Martha, Athena joined her older brother Oje Edward Hart. The family lived in Calgary, where the Hart family’s influence in wrestling was deeply established through the famous “Hart Dungeon” training facility run by her grandfather, Stu Hart.
Owen Hart was known as one of the most talented technical wrestlers in the industry, beloved for both his in-ring skills and practical jokes backstage. Martha, meanwhile, focused on their family life while supporting Owen’s career from outside the spotlight.
The Tragic Loss of Her Father
On May 23, 1999, the Hart family’s world was shattered when Owen Hart fell to his death during a WWE pay-per-view event in Kansas City. The devastating accident occurred when Owen was being lowered from the arena rafters for his entrance, but a harness malfunction led to his fatal fall.
At just three years old, Athena faced an unimaginable tragedy – growing up without her father. The impact on such a young child is difficult to comprehend, as she would have few personal memories of her father.
Following the accident, Martha Hart made the difficult decision to distance her family from the wrestling world. She focused on protecting her children from media scrutiny while ensuring Owen’s memory would be preserved appropriately.
Growing Up Without Her Father
In the aftermath of Owen’s death, Martha Hart became both mother and father to Athena and her brother Oje. She created a life centered on privacy, education, and values rather than the celebrity spotlight that often accompanies the Hart family name.
Martha relocated the family away from the center of wrestling culture, prioritizing normalcy for her children. Throughout their upbringing, she spoke openly about Owen with them, ensuring his memory remained alive in their household through stories and photographs.
The siblings grew close through their shared experience of loss. While details about their private childhood remain largely unknown to the public, Martha has occasionally mentioned that both children developed strong bonds and supportive relationships with each other.
The Owen Hart Foundation Connection
In December 2000, Martha established The Owen Hart Foundation to honor her late husband’s memory through charitable work in the Calgary community. The foundation focuses on providing housing assistance, education opportunities, and support for low-income families.
As she grew older, Athena began participating in the foundation’s charitable initiatives. In 2022, she was photographed helping deliver groceries to Calgary’s Community Fridge, demonstrating her commitment to continuing her father’s legacy of generosity.
While maintaining her privacy, Athena’s involvement with the foundation shows her connection to her father’s values of compassion and community service. The foundation has become a way for the Hart family to transform their personal tragedy into positive change for others.
Private Life Away from Wrestling
Unlike many members of the Hart family who embraced wrestling careers, Athena has chosen a different path. She has largely remained out of the public eye, making few public appearances and maintaining minimal social media presence.
This decision stands in stark contrast to the Hart family tradition, where many relatives have followed in the footsteps of patriarch Stu Hart. Her uncle Bret “The Hitman” Hart and numerous cousins achieved fame in wrestling rings worldwide.
Athena’s choice for privacy appears deliberate and respected by her family. In a 2020 interview with The Biz Bureau, Martha Hart emphasized the importance of allowing her children to make their own choices about public life and career paths, independent of the family’s wrestling legacy.
Continuing Her Father’s Legacy
Rather than continuing Owen’s in-ring legacy, Athena honors her father through humanitarian work. This approach reflects Owen’s own character beyond wrestling—he was known for his kindness, humor, and generosity to others.
Through her occasional work with the Owen Hart Foundation, Athena helps preserve her father’s memory in a meaningful way that transcends the wrestling industry. The foundation has distributed over $4 million in charitable donations since its inception.
The Calgary community continues to benefit from programs established in Owen’s name, including scholarship opportunities, housing assistance, and basic needs support. These initiatives create a lasting impact that reflects the values Owen embodied throughout his life.
Looking Forward
As a young adult now in her late twenties, Athena Christie Hart stands at the intersection of privacy and legacy. While respecting her choice for a life outside the public eye, many fans of her father remain interested in her well-being and achievements.
The future may hold expanded roles within the Owen Hart Foundation as Martha eventually passes more responsibility to her children. However, Athena appears likely to continue balancing private life with selective involvement in the foundation’s work.
Whatever path she chooses, Athena carries forward the warmth, kindness, and integrity that made her father beloved beyond his wrestling accomplishments. Her life journey, though largely private, represents the enduring impact of Owen Hart’s legacy outside the wrestling ring.
Through quiet dignity and selective charitable work, Athena Christie Hart honors her father in perhaps the most meaningful way possible—by living according to the values he exemplified throughout his too-short life.
