Ring of Honor wrestler Jay Briscoe passes away in tragic car crash
Laurel, Delaware - The high-flying, grapple-slamming Ring of Honor (ROH) wrestler Jay Briscoe has died at age 38, All Elite Wrestling owner Tony Khan confirmed in an emotional statement.
Jay, who's full name is Jamin Pugh, died Tuesday night in a fatal car crash that left another driver dead and others critically injured, including his young daughters Gracie and Jayleigh.
The crash reportedly occurred on Tuesday at 5 PM in Laurel, Delaware, when the driver of an oncoming car crossed the center lane to collide with Pugh's vehicle head-on.
"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," Khan said on Instagram.
"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."
Jay joined ROH in 2002, forming one of the greatest pro wrestling tag teams in history with his brother Mark.
As "The Briscoe Brothers," the champion duo accomplished a record-setting 13 team championships during their illustrious 20-year career together. Last year, Jay and Mark were inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in the class of 2022.
Following his death, an outpouring of tributes erupted on social media, with many praising Jay's work as a wrestler and his dedication to his family.
"Jay Briscoe was a wonderful human being and he loved his family so much. So much. He was so proud of them. Rest with God my friend," fellow pro wrestler Dijak tweeted.
Jay Briscoe's wife asks for prayers for daughter injured in car crash
The driver of the other car has been identified as 27-year-old Lillyanne Ternahan, who also died from the collision.
Jay's wife, Ashley Pugh, has confirmed via Facebook that the couple's 12-year-old daughter Gracie has sustained life-threatening injuries.
On Wednesday, Ashley shared that Gracie will undergo surgery on her back, begging her 1,000+ Facebook friends for prayers and good thoughts.
"Jamin would want the whole world praying for his little girl," Ashley wrote. "WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER! ... Pray for her precious legs to move again!"
She added that the couple's 9-year-old daughter Jayleigh "has some pretty serious injuries, but is stable and resting."
"We have a long long road ahead of us!" she wrote.
Ashley's Facebook post gathered over 3,000 reactions. Gracie's health status has yet to be updated.
Cover photo: Screenshot / Twitter / jaybriscoe84