Details have emerged about the sudden death of All Elite Wrestling star Benjamin Satterley (a.k.a. Pac), whose body was discovered on Sunday, September 27. He was 40.
Satterley was found “passed out” in a vehicle in the parking lot of a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, around 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to police dispatch audio obtained by the California Post.
“This is going to be a slumper,” the dispatcher said. “We can’t confirm breathing at this time.”
Moments later, an officer indicated Satterley was found dead on arrival.
Patrons inside CAVA saw Satterley motionless in the vehicle, which led them to call police, a witness told the Post. “There was an ambulance, police and a fire truck, all outside,” the witness said.
A representative for the Des Plaines Police Department told the outlet there are “no indications of foul play and the circumstances surrounding the death are not considered suspicious.”
The cause and manner of death are pending for additional testing, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office told Us on Monday, September 28.
An autopsy was performed on Monday, with the office saying results might take “several weeks.”
Satterley’s death came less than 24 hours after he competed at All Elite Wrestling’s All Out pay-per-view event in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
“All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac,” the organization announced on Sunday. “A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his wrestling career in 2004 and went on to perform for wrestling organizations all over the world, captivating fans with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability.”
AEW continued, “Pac signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019 and held multiple AEW Championships and competed in some of the most memorable matches in AEW history. Our condolences go out to Satterley’s family, friends and fans.”
Tributes poured in from across the wrestling community in the wake of Satterley’s death. Prior to signing with AEW, Satterley wrestled as Neville in WWE from 2012 to 2018.
“I’m Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of PAC,” wrestling icon Ric Flair shared via social media on Monday. “He Was A Gifted Talent With Incredible Athleticism & A Kind Person. My Condolences To His Family And Friends. I’m With You In Mourning This Tragic Loss. So Sad. Rest In Peace PAC Benjamin Satterley!”
WWE star Natalya wrote, “I am so sad to hear this news. Pac was always so respectful and kind to me, especially during his time at NXT when he and [husband] TJ [Wilson] were working a lot together. I’ll always remember how passionate Pac was about wrestling, but equally, how much respect he showed everyone around him. Every time TJ was in the ring with him, he wanted to make Ben proud and be his absolute best. That always stayed with me and said so much about the kind of person he was. My heart goes out to Pac’s family, his friends and everyone who loved him. This is an immeasurable loss. I’m so grateful I had the chance to know him.”
Current AEW world champion, Will Ospreay, called Satterley “the greatest human being.”
“Honoured to have shared the ring with you so many times,” Ospreay, 33, added. “You truly are such a hero to myself and many others.”
