Independent wrestling star Vince Steele, known as “The Jurassic Juggernaut,” died after suffering a medical emergency during a match on Sunday.
According to reports, Steele was participating in a four-way match at a Brii Combination Wrestling (BCW) event in Ridgefield Park, N.J., when the 39-year-old grappler suffered a “cardiac event.”
A fan at the match reportedly shouted “he’s having a heart attack” as the situation unfolded in front of the crowd.
“During yesterday’s event, Vince suffered a medical emergency in the ring. 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 wrote in a post on X on Monday. “Despite their rapid response and the best efforts of first responders, we tragically lost Vince.
“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.
“Rest easy Jurassic Juggernaut.”
According to reports, however, it took 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive to the Madness at the Mecca event, being held at a community centre.
The New York-born Steele had wrestled on the independent circuit since 2004 and worked for a number of organizations during his career.
Steele, a father of three, was billed as standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 425 pounds.
Emily Jaye, who also performed on the card, posted about Steele’s death, saying: “Today was one of the most traumatizing things I’ve ever witnessed. Thank you for everything you did in wrestling and out. RIP Vince Steele.”
“(Sunday) was the worst day of my career. Vince Steele gave everything to pro wrestling & today he gave his life for it,” fellow pro wrestler Vincent Michaels said. “Every single wrestler/referee/crew on hand did everything they could to keep him going & they should be proud of that. I know I am.”
Jimmy Konway, who had wrestled in the opening match of the show, recounted a conversation he and Steele had backstage, which in retrospect turned out to be heartbreaking.
“We were talking about how we’re the old men doing this now. How we feel it all, but still feel great and have more in the tank,” Konway posted on Facebook.
“I began telling him I’m 35 and thinking unless I’m signed, I’ll be done around 40. He said, ‘I’m turning 40 soon! Shoot … I think I’m honestly going to go till I’m 50. Then I’ll be good.’
“I was getting ready to go on. And I turned back and told him something my tag partner and brother have said to each other for a long, long time: ‘Ay, brudda. Till the wheels fall off!’
“A warrior. Rest in Peace. My most sincere condolences to his Family. And The Brotherhood that’s hurting tonight. You will be missed.”