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As PWInsider.com reported last night, NYC-based independent wrestler Vince Steele passed away following a medical emergency that occurred while performing for Brii Combination Wrestling in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.
Since there have been a number of stories starting to circulate, PWInsider.com has been hit with a number of questions.
After speaking with several who were in attendance at the event, Steele was performing in a multi-person bout when he went down in a corner. The referee for the match immediately called for the bell and another referee, who is CPR-certified, began administering aid. The promotion called 911 for help and police arrived within minutes, at which point they took over administering CPR. We are also told that the police used a defibrillator on Steele and did not stop administering aid until an ambulance arrived. We are told the ambulance arrived 23 minutes after the promotion called.
After Steele was taken to the hospital, the promotion announced the event was being halted and the fans left. The locker room remained until they received word of Steele's passing, at which point the locker room went to the hospital to pay respect to Steele. As you can imagine, everyone was devastated.
PWInsider.com has been asked whether there will be any fundraising effort to help Steele's family, as he had several children. We are waiting for word on that and once we have confirmed details, we will post them here on the site.
BCW issued the following:
BCW Mourns the Passing of Vince Steele
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that BCW (Brii Combination Wrestling) confirms the passing of Vince Steele, who suffered a fatal heart attack during our event on March 16, 2025.
Vince was more than just a wrestler; he was a beloved member of our family, a mentor, and an inspiration to everyone in the locker room and beyond. His towering presence, both physically and emotionally, made him a cornerstone of BCW, and his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten.
This is an unimaginable loss for his family, friends, fans, and all of us at BCW. At this time, we ask for privacy and respect as we process this tragedy.
Details on any memorial services and ways to honor Vince’s legacy will be shared in the coming days. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the wrestling community and beyond.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anthony Cole
Owner of BCW
PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Vince Steele.
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