Jay Briscoe, one of Ring of Honor’s most popular and accomplished wrestlers, died in a fatal vehicle accident on January 17, 2023.
He was 38 years old. His passing stunned and devastated the wrestling community, which remembers him as a passionate, talented, and modest performer.
In this post, we will look back on his life, career, and legacy, as well as the specifics of his funeral and tributes from his family, friends, and admirers.
Early Life and Career
Jay Briscoe, real name Jamin Pugh, was born on January 25, 1984, in Laurel, Delaware. He was raised in a wrestling-obsessed household, with his father, Mike, a former wrestler, and his brother, Mark, a lifelong tag team partner.
Jay and Mark began wrestling at a young age and made their professional debuts in 2000, at 16 and 15, respectively. The Briscoe Brothers immediately acquired recognition for their hard-hitting and high-flying style, and they joined ROH in 2002 as one of the promotion’s founding members.
They quickly established themselves as the best tag team in ROH history, winning the ROH World Tag Team Championship a record 13 times in 1,413 days. They also won the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship once, alongside Bully Ray.
Jay Briscoe also had a strong singles career, winning two ROH World Championships. In 2013, he became the first wrestler to hold the ROH World and ROH World Tag Team championships at the same time. He was also the first wrestler to win the ROH World Championship twice, in 2014.
He was recognized for his fierce and dynamic personality, as well as his unique maneuvers, including the Jay Driller, Cut-Throat Driver, and Froggy Bow. Jay Briscoe and his brother Mark were inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022, making them the first tag team to achieve this accolade.
He was also ranked sixth among the top 500 wrestlers by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 2015, and he was largely considered one of the world’s best wrestlers.
The Fatal Car Crash
Jay Briscoe’s life ended on January 17, 2023, when he was involved in a fatal car accident in Laurel, Delaware. According to Delaware State Police, Jay Briscoe was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with his two children, aged 12 and 9, as passengers.
Tony Khan tweeted the death of Jay Briscoe in an auto accident. Two people in car died in an accident at 5:30 p.m. in Laurel, Maryland. Just horribly tragic news.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) January 18, 2023
Soon after 5 p.m. ET, Lillyanne Ternahan, a 27-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, crossed into the center lane and struck Jay Briscoe’s vehicle.
Jay Briscoe and Lillyanne Ternahan died on the scene, while Jay Briscoe’s daughters were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital and are in critical condition. According to authorities, Jay Briscoe was the only person who did not wear a seat belt, and the role of alcohol in the incident is unknown.
Tony Khan, the owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), announced Jay Briscoe’s death on Twitter and expressed his condolences and support for his family. ROH also issued a statement expressing their condolences for the death of one of their most adored stars and praying for his daughters.
The Funeral and the Tributes
Jay Briscoe’s funeral took place on January 29, 2023, at Laurel High School, where he graduated in 2002. His family, friends, fellow wrestlers, and fans attended the funeral to pay their respects and share memories of him.
Jay Briscoe’s parents, Mike and Sandy; brother, Mark; and longtime friend and colleague, Caprice Coleman, all presented eulogies praising his character, talent, and love for his family and wrestling. The funeral included a video homage to Jay Briscoe’s career and accomplishments, as well as a 10-bell salute, a traditional wrestling gesture to respect the deceased.
Jay Briscoe’s casket was draped with the ROH World Tag Team Championship belts, which he and his brother held at the time of his passing. He was buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery, alongside his grandparents.’
Many wrestlers and wrestling figures paid tribute to Jay Briscoe on social media, expressing both grief and affection for him.
Some of them were Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, Mick Foley, Jim Ross, and Dave Meltzer. They referred to Jay Briscoe as a legend, pioneer, leader, mentor, buddy, and hero.
Jay Briscoe’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and fans, who will remember him as one of the best wrestlers of his age, as well as one of the wrestling industry’s most adored and respected characters. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Rest in peace, Jay Briscoe.
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