‘An extraordinary talent’: Famed pro wrestler ‘Pac’ found dead in Des Plaines, one day after suburban match
A famed, English-born professional wrestler died outside a suburban restaurant over the weekend, a day after a match here.
Benjamin Satterley, who performed under the name “Pac,” was found dead about 4 p.m. Sunday in Des Plaines, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
A passerby called 911 after spotting Satterley’s body in a rental car on the 2700 block of Mannheim Road, less than one mile from O’Hare International Airport, a Des Plaines spokesperson said Monday.
Satterley was alone when he was found. There were no indications of foul play or trauma, and Satterley’s death didn’t appear suspicious, the spokesperson said.
An autopsy was performed Monday. Determinations about the cause and manner of death are pending additional tests, a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said, and it could take weeks for results to become available.
No other details were available Monday from the Des Plaines police or fire departments as the investigation into Satterley’s death continued.
Satterley, 40, was part of Florida-based All Elite Wrestling. He was in the Chicago area for the company’s All Out promotion, which was held Saturday at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. His final match was against AEW National Champion Andrade El Ídolo.
AEW confirmed Satterley’s death in an online statement. A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, Satterley had been with the company since 2019 and had captivated fans “with innovative high-flying moves and incredible in-ring ability,” the company said.
Satterley previously had wrestled in other organizations, including in WWE under the ring names “Adrian Neville” and then “Neville.”
As word spread of Satterley’s death, fans and fellow wrestlers honored him on social media.
“He was an extraordinary talent and even kinder human being,” said WWE executive and former wrestler Paul Levesque, better known publicly as Triple H. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans across the world.”
Fellow wrestler Matt Cardona said of Satterley: “So talented, so smooth, so jacked. He was the perfect pro wrestler.”
Professional wrestling legend Ric Flair called Satterley a gifted talent with incredible athleticism. “I’m With You In Mourning This Tragic Loss,” Flair said in a social media post.
Satterley supported his hometown Newcastle United football club, and the team paid tribute to him Monday on social media.
“We were honoured to welcome Benjamin and his family to St. James’ Park in 2014,” the team said. “We offer our deepest sympathies to them and all those who loved him.”
rlissau@dailyherald.com