Wrestler Jay Briscoe has died in a car accident at the age of 38.
Ring of Honor star one of two killed in car crash, US reports Delaware Tuesday.
Briscoe – real name Jamin Pugh – has been described as a professional wrestling icon who, along with his brother Mark, has dominated the promotion of Ring of Honor.
In a tweet, Tony Khan, who owns All Elite Wrestling and takes over the Ring of Honor in 2022, confirmed Briscoe’s death.
“Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away,” he wrote.
“Fans call him Jay Briscoe, and he’s been a star in ROH for over 20 years, from his first show to today.
“Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH and are still champions to this day.
“We will do everything we can to support his family. Rest in peace, Jamie.”
Fans responded on social media, calling the news “incredibly sad” and “heartbreaking”.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Ring Of Honor was founded in 2002 and quickly built up the same popularity as Impact Wrestling and WWE.
The Briscoes have won 12 Ring of Honor world tag team titles.
Hours before the fatal crash, Briscoe tweeted a photo of himself and his brother celebrating their long reign as the tag team champion.
In a statement, Ring of Honor said “it is with heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic passing of Jamin Pugh” and “our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans”.
WWE star Matt Hardy tweeted that he was “devastated” and “appalled” to hear of Briscoe’s death and how “honoured” he was to have worked with him.
He also wrote: “Jay is so real. Jay loves his wife and kids more than anything and we share that bond. My heart breaks for his family.”
WWE’s Triple H also took to social media to pay tribute to Briscoe, calling him an “incredible performer.”