AEW Star PAC Found Slumped in Car Before Death

The professional wrestling world was shaken today by the news that AEW star PAC was found slumped over inside a car outside a restaurant prior to his death. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that an autopsy was performed earlier today, but told TMZ that the cause and manner of death are pending additional testing, which could take several weeks.

PAC, known for his intense in-ring style and high-flying maneuvers, has been a prominent figure on All Elite Wrestling’s roster since the company’s earliest days. The circumstances surrounding his sudden collapse remain unclear, and authorities have not released any additional information about what led to the discovery of the 38-year-old performer.

According to the medical examiner’s statement, the autopsy has been completed, but definitive findings will not be available until toxicology and other laboratory analyses are finished. Investigators are now reviewing the scene and any available surveillance footage from the area near the restaurant, though officials have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected.

The news emerged Thursday afternoon, sending fans and fellow wrestlers into mourning across social media. Tributes have begun flooding in from across the wrestling industry, with peers remembering PAC not only for his in-ring accomplishments but also for his dedication to the craft and his quiet, focused demeanor outside the spotlight.

PAC first earned international recognition on the independent circuit, competing under his real name and various aliases before breaking into major promotions. He gained widespread fame in WWE, where he was known as Neville and held the Cruiserweight Championship with remarkable consistency. His impressive aerial attacks and methodical heel work made him one of the most respected technical wrestlers of his generation.

After his departure from WWE, PAC became one of the foundational signees of AEW, where he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the promotion’s singles and trios divisions. His rivalry with Orange Cassidy and his run as one-third of the Lucha Bros in the AEW World Trios Championship tournament earned him new legions of fans.

His most recent appearances in the ring had shown no obvious signs of health issues, according to those who worked with him. Promoters and fellow performers described him as a notoriously private person who rarely discussed personal matters, making today’s sudden tragedy all the more shocking.

The Cook County Medical Examiner has not provided a timeline for when the additional test results will be released. In similar cases, toxicology panels typically take between four and six weeks to complete, but complex investigations can take longer. Until those findings are released, officials say no further public statements will be made regarding the death.

Local law enforcement has not confirmed whether the car was parked legally at the time of discovery, nor have they identified who found PAC and contacted emergency services. Eyewitness reports have not yet been verified, and investigators are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The wrestling community has seen a number of premature deaths in recent years, and this loss has reignited conversations about the physical and emotional toll of a demanding performance schedule. Many colleagues have called for increased mental health support and more rigorous medical monitoring for wrestlers across all promotions.

PAC’s family has not yet issued a public statement. Representatives from AEW have declined to comment beyond a brief message confirming the tragedy and asking for privacy for PAC’s loved ones. Fans have organized candlelight vigils in several major cities, while others have left flowers and wrestling merchandise outside the restaurant where paramedics responded.

As the investigation continues, the wrestling world waits for answers. What remains certain is that a uniquely gifted performer has been taken far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable matches and a community that will not soon forget his contributions to the sport.