New York-born Vince Steele, who wrestled under the name the “The Jurassic Juggernaut”, died after suffering a heart attack during a match on Sunday afternoon, leaving fans traumatised
A pro wrestler has died in the ring after suffering a heart attack in the middle of a match in front of stunned fans. Vince Steele, 39, was performing at a show in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon when he suffered a medical emergency during a four-way match.
A fan at the Brii Combination Wrestling event reportedly shouted “he’s having a heart attack” as the situation unfolded in front of the crowd. It took 45 minutes for an ambulance to arrive to the Madness at the Mecca event, being held at a community centre in Ridgefield Park, Ringside news reports.
New York-born Steele had wrestled on the independent circuit since 2004 and worked for a number of organisations.
Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 425lbs (193kg), he was also known by the ring name “The Jurassic Juggernaut” and was loved by his fellow grapplers.
Coastal Championship Wrestling posted on X: “We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of “The Jurassic Juggernaut” Vince Steele. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans. Rest In Peace, big man. You will forever be missed.”
Fellow wrestler Vincent Michaels wrote: “Today was the worst day of my career. Vince Steele gave everything to pro wrestling and today he gave his life for it.
“Every single wrestler, referee and crew on hand did everything they could to keep him going and they should be proud of that. I know I am. Rest easy, Juggernaut.”
Female wrestler Emily Jaye, who also performed on the card, posted: “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.”
Just days before the tragedy struck, father-of-three Vince had excitedly shared a poster for the event to his Facebook page with the caption “This Sunday!!!”
He’d also been booked in a show scheduled for later this month, which he had previously shared a poster for and said: “Oh boy, March 29th is looking like a banger.”
Jimmy Konway, who had wrestled in the opening match of Sunday’s show, shared a poignant conversation he’d had with Vince backstage.
He posted on Facebook: “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.
“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.”