Pac's Family Releases Statement After AEW Star's Sudden Death

Key points

• Satterley died on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at age 40, one day after his final match at AEW All Out in Chicago.
• He was found unresponsive in a rental car in Des Plaines, Illinois, near a CAVA restaurant; authorities ruled the death non-suspicious, but the cause remains pending autopsy results.
• A statement read by Renee Paquette on AEW Dynamite on Wednesday featured words from his wife Natalie, mother Jillian, and father Stephen.
• The family thanked AEW president Tony Khan for his support and praised Satterley's character, noting his love for Newcastle United and his dog, Wolfie.
• Satterley had a record of 94 wins, 47 losses, and 4 draws in 147 matches for AEW since 2019, and previously wrestled for WWE as Neville.

Background

Satterley's death follows the passing of AEW wrestler Andy 'The Butcher' Williams in late September 2026, who died at age 48 after an in-ring injury. Our archive confirms that Satterley was a high-flying innovator who held multiple championships, including the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Championship in 2022 and the AEW World Trios Championship in 2024 at Wembley Stadium. He had also competed for Japanese and Mexican promotions, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post emphasized the emotional family statement and the tribute episode on AEW Dynamite, including Jon Moxley's promo. CNN focused on his career achievements and international tributes, noting his record in AEW and condolences from New Japan and CMLL. The Daily Herald provided local details, confirming he was found in Des Plaines with no signs of foul play. AEW's official statement remained brief, focusing on his legacy and condolences. All outlets agreed on the timeline and non-suspicious nature of the death, but differed in emphasis: NY Post on family grief, CNN on career stats, and Daily Herald on local investigation details.

Why it matters

Satterley's death highlights the physical risks and sudden tragedies in professional wrestling, prompting widespread tributes across WWE and AEW. His legacy as a high-flying innovator and multiple-time champion underscores his impact on the sport, while the pending autopsy results may influence future safety discussions in the industry.

What to watch

Autopsy results are expected to take weeks, potentially revealing the cause of death. AEW and WWE continue to honor Satterley through tributes, with wrestlers like Bryan Danielson returning to compete in his memory. The family will likely receive ongoing support from fans and peers as they process the loss.