Further details have been revealed in the sudden death of AEW wrestling star Benjamin Satterley, better known by his ring name ‘The Bastard’ PAC.
Satterley, who also performed in WWE under the name Neville, reportedly was found “passed out” in a vehicle in a fast-food restaurant parking lot in Des Plaines, Ill., at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
According to dispatch audio obtained by the California Post, the 40-year-old Satterley was found slumped over in the parking lot of Cava — a Mediterranean-themed fast-casual restaurant — the day after performing on AEW’s All Out pay-per-view event in Chicago.
“This is going to be a slumper in a car. We cannot confirm breathing yet. At this point, we’re still on the phone getting further,” authorities said in the audio.
The outlet also reported that some of the restaurant’s customers had seen Satterley “passed out” in his vehicle and called for 911.
“There was an ambulance, police and a fire truck, all outside,” the witness told the Post, adding that patrons had looked for medical equipment inside the restaurant in an attempt to help before emergency services arrived.
What was Satterley’s cause of death?
Satterley was pronounced dead at 4:08 p.m., and the Des Plaines Police Department stated there are currently “no indications of foul play and the circumstances surrounding the death are not considered suspicious.”
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office has yet to reveal a cause of death, with “additional testing” pending following an initial autopsy, a spokesperson said.
What kind of tributes have been planned?
On Monday, AEW announced that the company would honour Satterley during Wednesday night’s episode of Dynamite.
“This Wednesday, All Elite Wrestling will honour the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest people we’ve ever known. Join us for A Tribute to PAC, this Wednesday Night!” the company posted on X.
Satterley had performed on Saturday night at AEW’s All Out pay-per-view in Chicago, losing the opening match to AEW National champion Andrade El Idolo.
The company made the heartbreaking announcement around 9 p.m. on Sunday.
“All Elite Wrestling is saddened to announce the passing of Benjamin Satterley, aka Pac,” the company announced on social media. “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.
“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.”
“Benjamin Satterley defined excellence, as a beloved husband & friend to his many loved ones, + in his wrestling knowledge, skill, unprecedented athleticism, professionalism, consistency + dedication to the sport that he loved & travelled the world to pursue,” AEW president Tony Khan wrote on his personal X account. “May Ben rest in peace.”
Who was PAC?
Satterley had been a member of the Death Riders stable since 2025, teaming up with former AEW champion Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia and Marina Shafir.
In 2022, he was the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic champion and later became a two-time AEW Trios champion.
During his time in WWE, wrestling under the name Adrian Neville and being dubbed “The Man That Gravity Forgot,” he was a two-time WWE Cruiserweight champion, NXT champion and a two-time NXT Tag Team champion.
Satterley became a fan favourite for his incredible aerial ability — his Black Arrow finisher was a corkscrew-senton splash off the top rope — muscular physique, a hard-hitting style — earning his nickname of “The Bastard.”
But for all his intimidating looks, the Brit was known as a kind and warm individual behind the scenes, as was evident in the outpouring of tributes on social media.