AEW Star PAC Dies at 40: New Details Emerge About Benjamin Satterley’s Final Hours
The wrestling world is mourning the death of Benjamin Satterley, better known as PAC in AEW and Neville in WWE. New reports have provided additional details about where he was found, while his official cause of death remains undetermined.
Professional wrestling has lost one of its most distinctive performers.
Benjamin Satterley, known to millions of fans as PAC in All Elite Wrestling and Neville in WWE, died on September 27, 2026, at the age of 40. AEW announced his passing shortly after he had competed at AEW All Out in Illinois.
New information has since emerged about the circumstances surrounding his death, although authorities have stressed that the cause and manner of death remain pending additional testing.
PAC Was Found Unresponsive in Illinois
According to reports citing dispatch audio and authorities, Satterley was found unresponsive inside a vehicle in a parking lot outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, near Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Emergency services were called after people noticed him inside the vehicle. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Satterley was pronounced dead at 4:08 p.m. local time on September 27.
An autopsy has been performed, but officials have said that additional testing is required before the cause and manner of death can be determined. Results could take several weeks.
Authorities have also reported that there were no indications of foul play, with the circumstances not being considered suspicious at this stage.
His Cause of Death Has Not Been Announced
It is important to separate the confirmed information from speculation circulating online.
At this time, there is no publicly confirmed cause of death for Satterley. The medical examiner’s investigation is still ongoing, and reports about what may have happened should not be treated as established fact until officials release their findings.
PAC Had Just Wrestled at AEW All Out
The timing of Satterley’s death has made the news particularly shocking for wrestling fans.
Just one day earlier, PAC competed at AEW All Out in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He faced Andrade El Ídolo in a match for the AEW National Championship, with Andrade retaining the title. Satterley also appeared later during the pay-per-view’s main event.
His final match therefore came less than 24 hours before his death.
From Newcastle to WWE and AEW
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Satterley began his professional wrestling career in 2004.
He eventually became internationally recognized for his athletic, high-speed wrestling style before signing with WWE in 2012. The company introduced him as Adrian Neville, later shortening the name to Neville.
During his WWE run, he became NXT Champion and later captured the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
His WWE career came to an end in 2018, after which he moved to the independent wrestling scene before becoming one of the early major signings for AEW.
PAC Became One of AEW’s Original Stars
Satterley joined All Elite Wrestling in 2019, taking the name PAC.
He quickly established himself as one of the company’s standout performers and became the first AEW All-Atlantic Champion, while also winning the AEW World Trios Championship. He was later associated with groups including Death Triangle and the Death Riders.
His AEW career was defined by the same qualities that made him famous earlier in his career: explosive athleticism, aerial offense and an intense in-ring style.
The Wrestling World Pays Tribute
Following news of his death, tributes began coming from wrestlers, promoters and fans around the world.
AEW described Satterley as a performer who had captivated audiences internationally with his innovative style and incredible in-ring ability. The company also highlighted his championship accomplishments and contribution to AEW since its launch.
Will Ospreay was among those who publicly remembered Satterley, describing him as an important figure in his life and career.
AEW President Tony Khan also paid tribute to Satterley, remembering both his abilities as a wrestler and his importance to the people close to him.
AEW has also announced a dedicated tribute to PAC on Dynamite.
A Career That Spanned More Than Two Decades
From independent wrestling in the United Kingdom to WWE’s NXT system and eventually AEW, Benjamin Satterley’s career covered more than two decades.
He performed under several names, but PAC and Neville became the identities most closely associated with his international career.
His death at 40 has left the wrestling community remembering a performer whose style helped make him stand out across multiple generations of professional wrestling.
For now, the investigation into his death continues, and the medical examiner’s final findings are still awaited.
PAC’s Wrestling Career at a Glance
Real Name: Benjamin Satterley
Ring Names: PAC, Neville, Adrian Neville
Born: August 1986
Died: September 27, 2026
Age: 40
Hometown: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
WWE: 2012–2018
AEW: 2019–2026
Major Championships: NXT Championship, WWE Cruiserweight Championship, AEW All-Atlantic Championship, AEW World Trios Championship
