Wrestling World Mourns AEW Star Pac, Found Dead in Des Plaines Car
Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac, died at 40 after being found unresponsive in a rental car in Des Plaines, Illinois, one day after his final AEW match. AEW confirmed the death, and the cause is pending autopsy results. Tributes from WWE and AEW figures highlight his impact on the industry.
Key points
- Satterley was found dead at 4:08 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, in a rental car on the 2700 block of Mannheim Road in Des Plaines, less than one mile from O'Hare International Airport.
- He had competed in AEW All Out on Saturday in Hoffman Estates, losing to Andrade El Idolo, and later appeared in the main event.
- The Cook County Medical Examiner's office performed an autopsy on Monday, but the cause and manner of death are pending additional tests; police stated there are no indications of foul play.
- AEW confirmed the passing of Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, who signed with the promotion in 2019 and held multiple AEW Championships.
- Tributes poured in from Eddie Kingston, Rusev, Jeff Jarrett, Nia Jax, Triple H, Ric Flair, and others, praising his talent and character.
Background
Satterley, who began his wrestling career in 2004, previously wrestled in WWE under the ring names Adrian Neville and Neville. He was part of the AEW roster since 2019. His death follows other high-profile deaths in the entertainment and sports world, such as Michael Wright and Hayden Panettiere, which also prompted widespread tributes. The archive notes that pay and benefits issues for families of deceased individuals can be complex, but no such details are reported for Satterley's family.
How outlets are covering it
Fightful and AEW emphasized the outpouring of tributes from the wrestling community, highlighting Satterley's impact and legacy. The Daily Herald and New York Post focused on the circumstances of his death, noting he was found alone in a rental car with no signs of trauma or foul play. The New York Post reported that patrons at the CAVA restaurant where he was found attempted to help before emergency services arrived. All sources agree on the lack of suspicious circumstances and the pending autopsy results.
Why it matters
The death of a prominent wrestler like Pac underscores the physical demands and risks of professional wrestling. His passing has sparked a wave of tributes, highlighting his influence on the industry and the close-knit nature of the wrestling community. The pending autopsy results will provide clarity on the cause of death, which may inform discussions about health and safety in the sport.
What to watch
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office will release the cause and manner of death after additional tests, which could take weeks. AEW is set to honor Pac on the September 28 episode of AEW Dynamite. The wrestling community will continue to pay tribute, and the family will likely receive ongoing support from fans and colleagues.
- Eddie Kingston, Rusev, Jeff Jarrett, Nia Jax, More Pay Tribute To PAC (Benjamin Satterley) Fightful
- ‘An extraordinary talent’: Famed pro wrestler ‘Pac’ found dead in Des Plaines, one day after suburban match dailyherald.com
- All Elite Wrestling Announces Passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac AEW
- Exclusive | AEW star Pac discovered slumped over in vehicle outside CAVA restaurant before death New York Post
- In Memoriam: Benjamin "PAC" Satterly (1986-2026) njpw1972.com
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