Jay Briscoe, an American professional wrestler, was married to Ashley Crothers in 2008 and had three children: two daughters, Jayleigh and Gracie, and a son, Gannon.
Ashley was supportive of Jay’s wrestling career, and the married couple remained together until his untimely demise in a car accident on January 17, 2023.
Professional wrestling star Jay Briscoe, whose real name was Jamin Pugh, was killed in a devastating head-on crash while driving his daughters to cheerleading practice.
The tragic accident occurred on Laurel Road in Delaware, leaving the wrestling community and fans in mourning.
According to Delaware State Police, Jay was driving eastbound in a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 when a westbound Chevrolet Silverado 1500, driven by Lillyanne Ternahan, crossed the center lane and collided head-on with his vehicle.
Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Moreover, Jay’s two daughters were passengers in the truck at the time of the crash. Police confirmed the girls were wearing seat belts and were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
The tragic news of Jay’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow wrestlers.
I don’t have the words right now to properly convey my sorrow. I love Jay & Mark Briscoe. Always have. I wouldn’t be here without them. I’m very lucky to have shared the ring & shared so many laughs with Jay Briscoe and I’m so sad to know neither will happen again. RIP my friend.
Sami Zayn
Jay Briscoe’s Wife, Ashley Pugh, Is A Strong Pillar Behind His Legacy
Jay Briscoe was not only a beloved figure in the ring but also a devoted family man. His wife, Ashley Pugh, stood by his side as they raised their three children, Gracie, Jayleigh, and Gannon.
The couple shared a close-knit family bond, with Jay often seen supporting his daughters at cheerleading events. He even created fun TikTok videos with them during the COVID-19 lockdown.
On January 17, 2023, the Pugh family’s world was shattered when Jay tragically passed away in a car accident.
The crash also left their daughters, Gracie and Jayleigh, with serious injuries. Gracie required back surgery, while Jayleigh sustained significant injuries.
Amid unimaginable grief, Ashley turned to Facebook, asking for prayers from fans and friends.
We need prayers! Gracie is on her way into surgery on her back. Jamin would want the whole world praying for his little girl. WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER!! Pray for the doctors and everyone working on her! Pray for her precious legs to move again! Pray for Jayleigh who has some pretty serious injuries, but is stable and resting! Pray for Gannon waiting at home! Pray for strength for all of us! We have a long long road ahead of us!
Ashley Pugh
Thankfully, both girls recovered from their injuries, but Ashley was left to handle life’s challenges as a single mother while honoring Jay’s memory.
Ashley was a graduate from Laurel High School and attended Delaware Technical Community College. She worked at Trinity Logistics and joined Laurel High School in 2018.
Despite the immense challenges, she has remained resilient, focusing on raising her three children. She occasionally shares glimpses of their lives on social media, keeping Jay’s spirit alive through memories and tributes.
Happy birthday Ashley Pugh!!!!! I would say I hope your day is as amazing as you are.. but there’s no way a day could be that good🥳🥳 Love u babe ❤️
Jamin Pugh
Mark Briscoe Reflects on Brotherhood, Legacy, and Loss in Two In One: The Briscoe Story
In Two In One: The Briscoe Story, Mark Briscoe opens up about the unbreakable bond he shared with his late brother, Jay Briscoe, and their incredible journey through pro wrestling.
Their career was built on passion, pain, and an undying love for the craft.
Two In One: The Briscoe Story. pic.twitter.com/cZVFgH1aDR
— 🐓 GIMME BACK MY BULLETS! (@SANDYFORKBOY) July 10, 2025
The Briscoe Brothers lived by one code: family and fighting.
They became one of the most respected tag teams in the world from their wild backyard wrestling days, jumping off roofs, crashing through tables, and swinging barbed wire bats.
I damn near think we knew how to wrestle before we knew how to walk.
Mark Briscoe
Mark believes they had mastered every aspect of the business, looking back at their brutal, beautiful legacy. Wrestling was their destiny.
However, beyond the blood and broken chairs, Two In One is a story of love. How their grandparents nurtured their dreams, how they grew into fathers together, and how they turned their wildest ambitions into reality.
Yet the documentary also dives into Mark’s most profound heartbreak, losing Jay in a tragic car accident in January 2023.
Jay wasn’t just his brother. He was a husband, a son, a father, and half of Mark’s soul. There was never a time when it wasn’t Jamin and Mark.
Their father’s belived that they were two in one.
The Briscoe Brothers’ legacy was never just about wrestling; it was about brotherhood, both in the ring and beyond. Mark makes it clear that their bond can’t be broken.
Unless it’s one of my kids or one of Jay’s kids, [that] would be the only way that I do another two on two tag match.
Mark Briscoe
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jamin Dale Pugh, the son of Jana Pugh and Mike “Papa” Briscoe, was born on January 17, 2023, in Laurel, Delaware.
- He was a 13-time ROH World Tag Team Champion, two-time ROH World Champion, and ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion.
- He debuted in wrestling at the age of 16 on May 20, 2000 and was inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022.
