Medical Examiner Rules AEW Star Pac’s Death Natural, Citing Bronchial Asthma
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially determined that professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac, died of bronchial asthma. Satterley, 40, was found unconscious in a rental car in Des Plaines, Illinois, on September 27, just one day after competing at AEW’s All Out event. The death has been ruled natural, closing a brief investigation that had noted medication and saliva at the scene but no signs of foul play.
Key points
- Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed bronchial asthma as the cause of death on October 16.
- Satterley was found unconscious in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines on Sept. 27.
- He had competed in the AEW National Championship match against Andrade El Idolo the previous day.
- First responders noted medication in the vehicle and saliva on his shirt, but no suspicious markings.
- The death was officially classified as natural, with no indications of foul play.
Background
Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, had a long career in professional wrestling, including stints in WWE as Adrian Neville and in AEW since 2019. He held multiple championships, including the All-Atlantic and World Trios titles in AEW, and the NXT and Cruiserweight titles in WWE. His death on September 27 sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, leading to tributes from AEW and WWE, including a 40-minute video from WWE featuring colleagues like Kevin Owens and Becky Lynch. Earlier reports noted medication and saliva at the scene, but the cause of death remained pending until the medical examiner’s ruling.
How outlets are covering it
Bleacher Report and NBC News both reported the medical examiner’s ruling, emphasizing the natural cause of death and the timing relative to his final match. The New York Post provided additional details from the 911 call and incident report, noting the presence of medication and a route to O’Hare Airport on Satterley’s phone. NBC 5 Chicago focused on the local impact and the lack of foul play, while also highlighting his international career and early start in wrestling. All sources agree on the cause of death but differ in the level of detail provided about the scene and his career.
Why it matters
The confirmation of the cause of death brings closure to a sudden and shocking loss in the professional wrestling world. It also highlights the physical demands and potential health risks faced by athletes, even in the absence of direct injury. The ruling may influence discussions about health monitoring and medical support for wrestlers, particularly given the presence of medication at the scene.
What to watch
The wrestling community is expected to continue honoring Satterley’s legacy through tributes and memorials. AEW and WWE may further address the incident in their programming, and there may be increased focus on the health and safety of wrestlers. The family and colleagues are likely to share more personal tributes and memories in the coming weeks.
- AEW Star 'Pac' Benjamin Satterley's Cause of Death Confirmed by Medical Examiner Bleacher Report
- Cause revealed in death of wrestler Benjamin Satterley, known as 'Pac,' in Des Plaines after Hoffman Estates AEW competition ABC7 Chicago
- Benjamin Satterley, wrestler known as Pac, died of bronchial asthma NBC News
- Exclusive | AEW star Pac’s cause of death revealed New York Post
- Cause of death revealed for famed wrestler Benjamin Satterley NBC 5 Chicago
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