The Pacific Northwest wrestling scene felt a lot colder on June 15, 2024. That’s the day Scott Henson, the man the community knew as the "Big Cat," unexpectedly passed away. He was only 40. For someone who seemed so full of life—whether he was jumping off turnbuckles or cracking jokes on a podcast—the news felt like a physical blow to his fans.
You’ve probably seen the tributes pouring in on Twitter or Reddit. It wasn’t just the wrestling world that felt it; the internet subcultures he inhabited, from the "Worst Year of Our Lives" podcast listeners to the indie film circles, were left reeling. People wanted answers. It’s natural when someone that young leaves us so suddenly. Honestly, the rumors started flying almost immediately, but the reality is much more straightforward, and in a way, more tragic.
Scott Henson Cause of Death: The Official Word
There’s no need to beat around the bush here. Scott Henson died of cardiac arrest. It happened in Vancouver, British Columbia, his lifelong home. While some deaths in the professional wrestling world are unfortunately tied to long-term physical trauma or substance issues, Scott’s passing was a sudden medical emergency. Canadian Apex Wrestling, where he was a reigning Tag Team Champion at the time, was the first to break the news to the public.
His heart just stopped.
That’s a terrifying thing to process for a guy who was literally in the middle of a title run. One day he’s a "Big Cat" dominating the ring, and the next, he’s gone. It’s a stark reminder that even the strongest among us have vulnerabilities we can’t always see.
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Who Was the Man Behind the "Big Cat"?
To understand why this hit so hard, you have to look at what Scott actually did. He wasn’t just a guy in trunks. Scott William Henson was a polymath of the underground.
He was born on July 13, 1983, in Vancouver. He went to the University of British Columbia, snagged a Bachelor of Science, and then... well, he chose the ring. He was a staple of Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW) for years. If you followed the Pacific Northwest circuit, you knew Scott. He had this specific brand of charisma—a mix of "gentle giant" and "unpredictable entertainer."
- Pro Wrestling: Known as "Big Cat" or "Scoot," he was a locker room leader.
- Podcasting: Since 2018, he co-hosted The Worst Year of Our Lives with Drew Smith (Sarian Softpaws). They’d dive into the weirdest corners of pop culture and wrestling history.
- Comedy and Film: He had a deep, almost academic love for bad movies (think Neil Breen) and film festivals.
He was a "lifer" at St. George’s School. His old teachers still talk about his intellect. It’s rare to find a professional wrestler who is equally comfortable discussing the biomechanics of a powerbomb and the cinematography of an obscure indie flick.
The Community's Reaction
When the news broke, the outpouring wasn't just corporate PR. It was raw. Sarian Softpaws, his long-time partner in crime, shared memories that painted a picture of a guy who was the "glue" of his social circles.
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Wrestling can be a cynical business. It’s full of egos. But Scott seemed to dodge that. He was the guy who made Vancouver the place every indie wrestler wanted to work. He didn't just perform; he mentored. He was a driving force behind the careers of dozens of younger workers in the PNW, often without taking a shred of credit for it.
Why Cardiac Arrest at 40?
When "cardiac arrest" is listed for someone in their 40s, people immediately look for "why." While we don't have Scott's private medical records, it's worth noting that the physical toll of independent wrestling is immense.
These guys aren't traveling in private jets. They are driving six hours to perform in a high school gym for 50 people, taking "bumps" (falls) that feel like minor car accidents, and then doing it all over again the next night. Over twenty years, that adds up. Whether or not that contributed to his specific heart condition is speculation, but it’s a reality the industry is constantly grappling with.
Remembering Scott's Legacy
Scott's family held a Celebration of Life on August 11, 2024, at the Shaughnessy Golf Club. It wasn't a somber, quiet affair—it was a gathering of people who had been touched by his "incredible wit," as his obituary put it.
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If you want to honor him, his family was very specific about one thing: Don’t send flowers. Scott was a massive animal lover, especially cats. He left behind a beloved cat named Sebastian. His family requested that anyone moved by his story should donate to the SPCA or any local cat rescue organization. That’s the most "Scott" way to pay respects.
Practical Steps for Fans and Creators
If you’re a creator or an athlete inspired by Scott’s work, his passing serves as a heavy but necessary wake-up call about health and community.
- Prioritize Heart Health: If you are in a high-stress or physically demanding field, get regular EKG screenings. Cardiac issues in your 30s and 40s are often silent until they aren't.
- Support Indie Talent: Scott spent his life building the "indie" scene. Support local wrestling and local podcasts. These creators don't have the safety nets of major corporations.
- The "Big Cat" Rule: Be the person who brings others up. Scott's reputation wasn't built on his win-loss record; it was built on how he treated people in the locker room and behind the mic.
Scott Henson was a one-of-a-kind presence who proved you could be a tough-as-nails wrestler and a compassionate, hilarious intellectual at the same time. The "Big Cat" may be gone, but the Pacific Northwest ring will be echoing his impact for a long, long time.