New York-born wrestler Vince Steele, known as ‘The Jurassic Juggernaut’, died mid-match of a heart attack on Sunday afternoon, but an ambulance took 45 minutes to get to him
Pro-wrestler Vince Steele died in the ring after suffering a heart attack in the middle of a match in front of shocked fans. The 39-year-old was performing at a New Jersey show on Sunday when he suffered a medical emergency during a four-way match.
Witnesses said he was wrestling against Jeff Skywalker, Max Capacity, and Benny Blanco, before he fell down in the corner and the referee immediately called for the bell.
Another CPR-certified referee entered the ring to give Steele air, and 911 was called. Police reportedly arrived within minutes to take over CPR, which continued alongside a defibrillator until an ambulance arrived, 411 Mania reported.
A fan reportedly shouted “he’s having a heart attack” as the situation unfolded in front of the crowd at the Brii Combination Wrestling event.
But fans were horrified that an ambulance allegedly took 45 minutes to arrive at the Madness at the Mecca event, Ringside news reported, while 411 Mania said it took just 23 minutes.
Brii Combination Wrestling said in a Facebook statement: “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.
“Despite their rapid response and the best efforts of first responders, we tragically lost Vince.”
A local wrestling promoter from New Jersey asked on Reddit: “If you are involved in wrestling, please learn CPR.”
He reported that the state’s rules for wrestling may explain why it took so long for the wrestler to get professional medical treatment.
The promoter said the state doesn’t require any medical coverage for an event, and that the SAC no longer requires any medical checks. He added events did require checks at one time, but many wrestlers and promoters knew ways around it or paid off officials.
There are rarely enforced rules on “Hardcore” or “Ultra Violent” wrestling in the state, and insurance only covers the building and the fans attending the event. Speaking on behalf of his own insurance policy, the promoter said if someone enters the ring they are not covered. If a wrestler goes outside the ring to enter the crowd and a fan gets hurt, the promoter is covered, but the wrestler isn’t.
He added promoters in New Jersey aren’t regulated, they don’t need a licence to promote and they do not need to put up a bond to promote either.
He finished with a heartfelt plea to wrestlers, saying: “If you are a wrestler, please take care of yourself… There are not many good people left in pro wrestling…
“We need to keep the good ones as long as possible.”’
Many fans and other wrestlers have taken to social media to express their concerns about the response time.
Fellow pro wrestler Ruthless Lala said on X: “Mannnnnn we were just in a locker room laughing and having a blast with me telling you to stay off the top rope it’s a rumble bro lol.
“My heart is completely broken I’m going to miss you fam, I promise I will continue to make you proud. R.I.P Vince Steele.”
The ‘Sun of Wrestling’ Vincent Michaels said on X: “Today was the worst day of my career. Vince Steele gave everything to pro wrestling & today he gave his life for it.
“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.
“Rest easy, Juggernaut.”
Brii Combination Wrestling has been approached for comment.
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