Wrestler Jay Briscoe has died aged 38.
(CNN) – The American wrestling world has been shocked following the announcement of the death of Ring of Honor (ROH) star Jay Briscoe, whose real name was Jamin Pugh. The professional wrestler was 38 years old.
Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling and owner of ROH, announced the news on Twitter.
Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he has been a star on ROH for over 20 years, from the first show to today.
Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH and reigned as champions to this day. We will do everything to support his family.
Rest in peace Jamin—Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 18, 2023
“Unfortunately, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to his fans as Jay Briscoe, he’s been the star of ROH for over 20 years, from the first show to the present day,” he wrote.
“Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH and still reign as champions to this day,” he added.
“We will do everything we can to support his family. Rest in peace Jamin.”
A statement released on the ROH website said: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic death of Jamin Pugh, known to wrestling fans around the world as Jay Briscoe. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.”
Numerous wrestling sites reported that Pugh died in a car accident in Laurel, Delaware on Tuesday.
CNN affiliate WMDT, citing Delaware State Police, reported that two people were killed in the crash.
Delaware Police tweeted about the accident without identifying those involved. The tweet released on Tuesday evening read: “Laurel Road at Little Hill Road will be closed for an extended period following a fatal accident. DSP on stage”.
CNN has reached out to the Delaware State Police for comment.
The Laurel School District posted on Facebook Tuesday that it will be closing this Wednesday following the incident. “Due to an unimaginable tragedy for our community that occurred tonight, the Laurel School District will be closing tomorrow, Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Schools will reopen on Thursday. Please keep the Pugh family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Pugh and his brother Mark, known as the Dem Boys, were 12-time ROH World Tag Team Champions.