An even more painful detail has emerged surrounding the death of PAC, which AEW announced on Sunday.
According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio, several people learned the news while attending the public celebration of life for Andy Williams, known as The Butcher, in Buffalo, New York.
On the show, Alvarez explained when the news broke.
“When the word got out that PAC had passed away, it was during Andy Williams memorial. So the people were finding out about it at the memorial service for Andy Williams.”
The celebration of life was held at Buffalo RiverWorks from 6 to 11 p.m. ET and featured musical performances and tributes from family, friends and fans. Williams, a former AEW wrestler, died at 48 in early September after suffering a medical emergency during an independent show in Pennsylvania.
PAC’s friendship with Williams makes the circumstances all the more poignant. On the September 12 episode of AEW Collision, which was dedicated to The Butcher, PAC was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his friend.
“We always knew you were an anomaly. Too good for this world. So Andy, I just want to say I love you, man. You always made sure that I knew you loved me too. I miss you, my friend. ‘Till we meet again.”
Steve Kaye revealed that PAC had made the trip to Buffalo weeks earlier for a smaller ceremony honoring Williams, held on a Thursday shortly after an AEW taping.
PAC, whose real name was Benjamin Satterley, died at 40, just one day after facing Andrade El Idolo for the AEW National Championship at All Out.
The cause of PAC’s death has not yet been determined and is pending additional testing.
AEW will honor PAC with a special episode of Dynamite on Wednesday.