The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Friday that Benjamin Satterley, the English wrestler known worldwide as Pac, died of bronchial asthma. The announcement came nearly three weeks after Satterley, 40, was found unresponsive in a parked car in Des Plaines, Illinois, on Sept. 27, closing the central question that had hung over the wrestling world since his sudden passing.

The manner of death was ruled natural by officials, ending speculation that had circulated since AEW announced his death the day after he competed at the promotion's All Out pay-per-view.

What the Medical Examiner Found

Benjamin Satterley, the former pro-wrestling star who went by the ring name 'PAC' in AEW, died of bronchial asthma, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled, with his death officially deemed natural and no foul play suspected. The office had initially said an autopsy performed the day after his death would require weeks of additional testing before a final determination could be made.

The Final Hours

Satterley was found unconscious in a rental car outside a CAVA restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, around 4:00 p.m. on September 27, just a day after competing at AEW's All Out event at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. He had lost the opening match of the show to Andrade El Idolo in a bid for the AEW National Championship.

A police officer on the scene made contact with a woman who knew Satterley, who relayed that he was headed to the restaurant for lunch before driving to the nearby airport. Once discovered, officers also found saliva on the front of his shirt and an undisclosed medication in his car. Des Plaines police said there were no immediate indications of foul play and that the circumstances surrounding his death were not considered suspicious.

Who Was Pac

Satterley built one of the most respected careers in modern professional wrestling, known for a combination of speed and aerial precision that earned him the nickname «The Man That Gravity Forgot.»

From Newcastle to WWE

Satterley debuted as a professional wrestler in his native England in 2004, then joined WWE in 2012, becoming a two-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion, one-time NXT Champion and two-time NXT Tag-Team Champion during his six years with the company. He performed under the ring name Neville during that stretch, departing the company in 2017.

AEW Tenure and Legacy

After parting ways with WWE, Satterley became one of AEW's earliest major signings in 2019, where he remained for the next seven years. During his time in AEW, Pac won the AEW World Trios Championships with Death Triangle, alongside Rey Fenix and Penta, and he later captured a second Trios title as part of the villainous Death Riders stable alongside Jon Moxley. He also became the promotion's first All-Atlantic (later International) Champion.

Tributes From the Wrestling World

AEW president Tony Khan led an emotional response in the days following Satterley's death, delivering a tearful tribute at Ring of Honor tapings before dedicating a full episode of Dynamite to his memory. Khan wrote that «Benjamin Satterley defined excellence, as a beloved husband & friend to his many loved ones,» adding that he hoped «Ben rest in peace.»

Satterley's family also broke their silence with a statement read on AEW programming. The family said, “We are completely devastated to have lost our beautiful Ben,” adding that “the love and support that we have received from every corner of the globe has been helping us get through these last few awful days.”

A Difficult Stretch for AEW

Satterley's death came during a turbulent period for the promotion, which has also dealt with other setbacks among its roster in recent weeks. His passing is one of several high-profile deaths that have touched the U.S. sports world this year, a list that has also included figures from other disciplines, such as the recent passing detailed in the story on Marianne von Gierke's death weeks after her final competition.

For continued coverage of the investigation into his death and the police report details that emerged in the weeks prior to Friday's ruling, see the earlier reporting on new police details in Pac's death. The wrestling world will continue to honor his memory in the arenas where he once performed his signature high-flying moves.