As some of you have probably done, I spent last night (Jan 17) scrolling through my Twitter timeline. Many times I would wipe tears from my eyes after reading the latest tribute to Jamin “Jay Briscoe” Buff, who died in a traffic accident earlier today. But I often grinned though how I felt at the great promotions and moments people shared from his legendary ROH & indie career.

There seems to be an endless stream of both, and it continues today. Some of this is due to the tragic nature of his death, and—according to those who already knew him—the quality of the person he was. But it’s also evidence that the community was shaped by the wrestlers and cheerleaders on the independent circuit. There are very few wrestlers active this century who haven’t shared a locker room with Jay and his brother Mark at some point in time. And if you care about wrestling outside of WWE at all, you know the Die Boys.

Here are some great examples of both types of messages we’ve seen over the past 24 hours.

Kevin Owens:

I spent hours reading what people had to say about Jamin last night. You watched some of our matches together. I went back and read our recent texts to each other

I am very sad for his family. Every single one of them I’ve met over the years, and I’ve met a lot of them because they’re all stuck together like glue, all special human beings who will give you the shirt off their back in a heartbeat if you need it.

This is Jamin too.

There are a few people in this industry that I consider the pillars of my career. People I truly feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t encountered them. Jay and Mark Briscoe are two of those pillars.

In 2007 they had the opportunity to make or break two Canadian guys who were trying to put themselves on the map in the US indie scene. I remember going up to Jay that evening before our game and asking him what he wanted to do… I had never met him before… Our first interaction ever… He heard my question and looked at me and with a big smile across his face said, “Okay man.. Let’s go out there and kill her!”

So we did. We did that that night and have done it many times since. Every match I’ve played with them stands out among the thousands of matches I’ve played in my career because working with the Briscoes has been special every time.

Having the honor of being in the ring with Jay and his entire family as they celebrate after winning the ROH Championship is my favorite moment in my independent career, bar none. It was special for all of them, for the crowd out there that night, for everyone in the locker room and for me because Jay was special.

I didn’t get to see Jamin much after going to WWE in 2014. In fact, I think we only saw each other once but no time at all. He came to watch a WWE show and of course he had his whole family with him. He was so excited and proud to tell me about all that his children and wife were doing and how wonderful they were. He loved his family with everything he had…it was great to see them all.

We didn’t stay in touch much but every time we did, it just worked for me. Receiving a text message from him was always like a giant ray of sunshine.

I am so thankful that I had him in my life. I am so grateful for the laughter and the memories. Just so grateful to know you. I am a better person because I had the chance to be.

My heart goes out to Ashley and the kids, to Mark and his parents, and everyone who knew and loved him. That’s a damned many people.

Because Jay was special.

Laurel [Delaware] Talk to High School Athletic Director Kevin Walmsley Delaware Online About Bio Impact:

“He was very involved. He was in school almost every day. … It is a great tragedy for the community.

With the kids practicing, teaching skills, and techniques, some knew he was a professional wrestling star and some didn’t. But he treated every kid the same, and he will be missed.

“I saw him at the local store. He brought back. All the kids know him. Just a real motivator.”

Instagram story of CM Punk

Nick Jackson Instagram Story

Twitter Young Bucks

Ern Anderson:

In 40 years in this business, you meet all kinds of people. Ultimately bad guys are good guys and ultimately bad guys are bad guys.

I must say, my impression of Briscoe was that these were two wild men. I had the chance to meet them for the one and only time at Starrcast. We walked down the hall and they were the nicest, most respectful, soft-spoken guys you’ll ever meet. Jay will be remembered for his talent, professionalism, and the rapport he has with his co-workers. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, fans and those we have not had the honor of knowing.

Much respect. -a

Hiroshi Tanahashi:

Many wrestlers, regardless of organization, have been tweeting about Jay Briscoe. He was a great athlete. I’m also worried about his brother, Mark. Rest in peace