WWE stars have paid tribute to fellow wrestler Jay Briscoe after he tragically died in a car crash.
Real name Jamin Pugh, the American wrestler reportedly died in the crash in Laurel, Delaware, around 5.30pm on Tuesday at the age of just 38. He was best known for his time with Ring of Honour where, at the time of his death, he was one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions with his brother Mark Briscoe.
The sibling pair were in the middle of their 13th reign as champs before Jay's tragic death which has rocked the wrestling world to its core. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Briscoe seventh in its top 500 wrestlers of 2015, and he was inducted into ROH's Hall of Fame last year.
WWE legend and Chief Content Officer Triple H led the tributes for the wrestling icon, as he said: “An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.”
Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling and owner of ROH, announced the tragic news on Twitter. He wrote: “Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.
"Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. “Rest In Peace Jamin.”
WWE and former ROH star Sami Zayn also paid a heartfelt tribute. It read: "I don’t have the words right now to properly convey my sorrow. I love Jay & Mark Briscoe. Always have. I wouldn’t be here without them. I’m very lucky to have shared the ring & shared so many laughs with Jay Briscoe and I’m so sad to know neither will happen again. RIP my friend.”
Heartbroken ex WWE-star and legend Matt Hardy, now with All Elite Wrestling, added: “Heard this tragic news while flying. I’m DEVASTATED that Jay Briscoe (Jamin Pugh) tragically died today.
"I was honoured to work with him many times. I loved Jay. Jay was SO real. Jay loved his wife & kids more than anything & we shared that bond. I’m heartbroken for his family.”
His promotion Ring of Honour posted to twitter to pay their respects to one half of their tag team champions. “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passing of Jamin Pugh, known to wrestling fans around the world as Jay Briscoe,” they wrote.
“Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans.”
Briscoe had posted on social media just hours before his passing. He posted the picture to commemorate the brothers’ historic 13th reign as ROH Tag Team Champions.
“New hat,” read the caption of the post, featuring Jay donning a hat with “13 X” in a bold font. CNN affiliate WMDT reported that two people were killed in the car accident, citing Delaware State Police. They tweeted about the accident, but didn’t identify those involved.
The tweet, posted late Tuesday, said: “Laurel Road at Little Hill Road will be closed for an extended period due to a fatal accident. DSP on-scene.”
Local school Laurel School District, took to Facebook to announce they would be closing the school today.
“Due to an unthinkable tragedy in our community this evening, The Laurel School District will be closed for tomorrow, Wednesday January 18, 2023," they said. "Schools will reopen on Thursday. Please keep the Pugh family in your thoughts and prayers.”
