The sudden death of professional wrestler Benjamin Satterley, who performed worldwide as Pac, was caused by bronchial asthma and has been officially classified as a natural passing, Illinois authorities confirmed Friday.
The findings by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, first reported by the New York Post, resolve nearly three weeks of questions across the sports entertainment industry following the 40-year-old performer’s unexpected death on Sept. 27. Satterley was discovered unresponsive in a rental vehicle in a Des Plaines, Illinois, parking lot, approximately 22 miles from the arena where he had competed less than 24 hours earlier.
The Timeline of an Unforeseen Loss
According to police incident records obtained by local outlets, an emergency caller reported finding Satterley slumped over in a car parked outside a Cava restaurant along Mannheim Road shortly around 4 p.m. First responders attempted resuscitation, but the athlete was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival, USA TODAY Sports reported.
Authorities noted no signs of physical trauma or foul play, though officers documented medication inside the vehicle and saliva on his clothing. A woman familiar with Satterley told investigators that the British wrestler had planned to pick up food before driving to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and police noted that his mobile phone was actively displaying navigational directions toward the terminal.
The fatal medical event unfolded immediately following one of the biggest weekends of the wrestling calendar. On Sept. 26, Satterley wrestled Andrade El Idolo at AEW’s All Out event at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and made a subsequent appearance during the night’s final contest featuring Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay. Fans and colleagues recalled that he appeared in peak physical condition during both appearances, underscoring how abruptly the respiratory emergency occurred.
A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley started training at age 18 and made his professional debut in 2004. Over two decades, he earned an international reputation for high-flying, acrobatic maneuvers, frequently performing under the moniker “The Man That Gravity Forgot.”
His career bridged major eras in modern wrestling. Satterley spent six years under contract with WWE, where he competed as Adrian Neville and established himself as a dominant champion in its cruiserweight division and development system. In January 2019, he became one of the original cornerstone signings for All Elite Wrestling.
During his tenure with AEW, Satterley became the company’s inaugural All-Atlantic Champion—later rebranded as the International Championship—and captured the promotion’s World Trios Championship twice alongside factions such as Death Triangle and the Death Riders. Tributes poured in after his passing, including a televised memorial broadcast by AEW on Sept. 30 and public remarks from peer Will Ospreay, who described Satterley on social media as “the greatest export from our country.”
What Remains Ahead
While the medical examiner’s ruling eliminates rumors regarding suspicious circumstances or foul play, the wrestling community continues to process the systemic impact of losing an active, highly visible athlete in his physical prime. Promotion officials have not yet announced long-term plans to commemorate Satterley’s accomplishments beyond tributes already conducted, and details regarding private memorial services in his home country remain unannounced.
