Pro Wrestler Vince Steele Dead at 39 After Experiencing a ‘Cardiac Event’ While in the Ring

Professional wrestler Vince Steele has died after suffering a “cardiac event” during a match on Sunday, March 16, the Brooklyn-based wrestling promotion Brii Combination Wrestling announced Monday.

The regional wrestling promotion said that Steele, 39, died after he “suffered a medical emergency in the ring” during Sunday’s event.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the Ridgefield Park Police Department, who were on the scene within minutes and immediately provided emergency medical assistance,” BCW said in a statement shared on social media mourning the loss. “Despite their rapid response and the best efforts of first responders, we tragically lost Vince.”

Steele was performing in a four-way match when the medical emergency occurred, according to PWInsider, a pro wrestling news website. Fightful, another pro wrestling news website, reported that Steele experienced a “cardiac event.”

Steele was a New York City native and a “regular” in the local wrestling scene, according to PWInsider. The powerhouse wrestler was known to fans as the “Jurassic Juggernaut” and was billed to be as big as 6’5″ and 449 lbs. during his career. The 18-year veteran often wrestled with a New York-leaning edge, including finishing off opponents with his signature move, “The Bronx Getaway.”

The 39-year-old’s first match was in 2007, according to Cagematch, an online database that logs match information throughout the professional wrestling industry. 

BCW said Monday that Steele was a “beloved” member of the wrestling promotion’s locker room.

“His passion, dedication, and larger-than-life presence left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him,” the pro wrestling promotion wrote on social media.

BCW’s statement continued: “This is an unimaginable loss, and we ask for patience and respect as we process this tragedy. We will share more details in the coming days on how we plan to honor Vince’s incredible legacy.”

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