Authorities await the final cause of death
Summary
– Benjamin Satterley was found unresponsive in a vehicle near a Des Plaines restaurant
– The AEW star was pronounced dead Sunday afternoon at age 40
– Authorities reported no obvious trauma or signs of foul play
New details have emerged following the death of AEW star Benjamin Satterley, who was found unresponsive inside a vehicle in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Satterley, known professionally as PAC, was reportedly discovered in a rental car near a CAVA restaurant. People in the area contacted 911 after seeing him unresponsive inside the vehicle.
Dispatch audio obtained by the New York Post reportedly captured emergency responders saying they could not confirm whether Satterley was breathing. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed that he was pronounced dead at 4:08 p.m. Sunday.
An initial autopsy was completed, but the medical examiner’s office said the cause of death remains pending additional testing.
A Des Plaines spokesperson separately told the Daily Herald that Satterley was found in a rental vehicle on the 2700 block of Mannheim Road. Authorities said there were no indications of trauma or foul play, and the death did not appear to be suspicious.
Satterley had been in Illinois after competing at AEW All Out in Chicago on Saturday. PAC wrestled Andrade El Idolo in an AEW National Championship match, which he lost before shaking Andrade’s hand after the bout.
PAC later returned during the AEW World Championship main event between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay. His appearance in the closing match became his final moment inside a professional wrestling ring.
AEW announced Satterley’s death Sunday night and praised the international star for his innovative high-flying style and memorable performances. The company also sent condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.
Satterley began wrestling in 2004 and built his reputation on the international independent scene before joining WWE in 2012 as Adrian Neville. He became NXT Champion and later won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship twice.
After leaving WWE, Satterley returned to the PAC name and joined AEW in 2019. He became the inaugural AEW International Champion and won the AEW World Trios Championship with Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix as part of Death Triangle.
His death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling industry, especially because he had competed at a major AEW event less than 24 hours earlier. Fans and wrestlers continue to remember Satterley while authorities await the final medical findings.
