AEW star Benjamin Satterley, known as Pac, died of bronchial asthma on September 27, 2026, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. The 40-year-old wrestler was found unresponsive in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, less than 24 hours after competing at AEW All Out.
Benjamin Satterley, the British wrestler known as Pac, died of bronchial asthma on September 27, 2026, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. The 40-year-old was found unresponsive in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, less than 24 hours after competing at AEW All Out. His death stunned the wrestling world, as he had wrestled just hours earlier, losing to Andrade El Ídolo for the AEW National Championship before appearing in the main event.
"There's two kinds of eulogies at funerals. One is: This is what this guy did. The other is: This is who this guy was."Thank you to everyone who helped us remember our fallen friend, @BastardPAC, this Wednesday. We love you, Ben. We always will. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/ePqAnxFRgn
Wrestling Career Spanned WWE AEW Dragon Gate
Satterley, a native of Newcastle upon Tyne, began his wrestling career in 2004 and became a global figure known for his high-flying style and athleticism. He performed under the name Adrian Neville during his tenure with WWE from 2012 to 2018, winning multiple titles. In 2019, he joined AEW, where he became the inaugural AEW International Champion and a two-time AEW World Trios Champion. Colleagues described him as a “superstar” and one of the greatest wrestlers the U.K. has ever produced.
His career spanned over two decades, with stints in Japan’s Dragon Gate, where he won the Open the Dream Gate Championship, and WWE, where he held the NXT Championship and two WWE Cruiserweight Championships. After returning to Dragon Gate, he signed with AEW in 2019, becoming a key figure in the promotion’s roster. He was part of the Death Riders stable, known for their intense in-ring chemistry and storytelling. Satterley’s in-ring persona, “The Bastard,” masked his humility, with fellow wrestler Marina Shafir noting, He was just so modest about how fascinating he was.
At AEW All Out, Satterley faced Andrade El Ídolo for the AEW National Championship, losing the match but later appearing in the main event between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay. His final match was a loss to Andrade. The very best of us. Truly one of a kind,
AEW stated in a tribute. Fellow wrestler Will Ospreay called him the greatest export from our country. Also the greatest human being.
Circumstances of Death
Satterley was found unresponsive in a rental car at around 4 p.m. local time on September 27. Authorities reported no injuries or suspicious markings, though saliva was noted on his shirt. An autopsy was conducted, with results confirming bronchial asthma as the cause of death. The medical examiner ruled it a natural death. His body was discovered outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, near O’Hare International Airport, after he had reportedly pulled over to grab lunch before heading to the airport.
The cruelty of having all of our future hopes and dreams snatched away will never feel real,
she wrote. She described him as so excited to get home to us,
with plans to set up a home gym and enjoy time with their dog, Wolfie. We were going to set up your new home gym and take [dog Wolfie] for some autumnal walks, have pizza at Rudy’s on your cheat day, go to the match, see [comedian] Sam Campbell live,
she wrote. We’re all just waiting for you to walk through the door again darling, and the idea that will never happen is beyond comprehension.
Tributes and Reactions
The wrestling community mourned Satterley, with tributes from peers and executives. AEW president Tony Khan praised his unprecedented athleticism, professionalism, consistency, and dedication to the sport.
WWE’s Triple H called him an extraordinary talent and even kinder human being.
Fellow wrestler Jon Moxley, Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and Bryan Danielson all broke down in tears during tributes.
Satterley’s death left a void in the industry, with fans and colleagues alike recalling his impact. He was just so modest about how fascinating he was,
Shafir said. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t share time and space with this man.
His legacy endures through his championships, his in-ring artistry, and the personal stories of those who knew him. As the wrestling world continues to grieve, his contributions to the sport remain a showcase of his enduring influence.
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