The wrestling world has suffered a great loss in the tragic death of Chris Benoit. No matter what is determined in the investigation into his death, as well as the deaths of his wife Nancy and 7 year old son Daniel, nothing will change the fact that Benoit is an icon and hero in the eyes of many. My prayers go out to his family at this time. via ABC NewsCops: Wrestler Strangled Wife, Smothered Son
June 26, 2007
Pro wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife and smothered his son this weekend before hanging himself Monday in the weight room of his Georgia home, a law enforcement official close to the investigation told The Associated Press.
Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found dead Monday afternoon, and police later ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.
Authorities refused to confirm the murder-suicide until evidence was examined by the state crime lab. Preliminary autopsy results are nearly complete and will be announced at a 3 p.m. press conference this afternoon, according to a spokesman for the Fayette County District Attorney's office.
Additional toxicology reports, which could determine whether Benoit was using steroids at the time of his death, are expected to take at least two weeks.
WAGA-TV initially reported that investigators believe the 40-year-old Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, before killing himself Monday. The bodies were found in three different rooms.
World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that the organization asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."
The WWE also announced that Benoit failed to appear at a Saturday live event in Beaumont, Texas, as well as the WWE's "Vengeance" event in Houston Sunday night, an absence attributed to a "family emergency."
Authorities responding to the scene had a difficult time entering the Fayetteville home, WWE announced, because a pair of German Shepherds were left roaming on the property.
The house is in a secluded neighborhood set back about 60 yards off a gravel road, surrounded by stacked stone wall and a double-iron gate. On Monday night, the house was dark except for a few outside lights. There was a police car in front, along with two uniformed officers.
The WWE also reported that it was in possession of further information regarding the police investigation and the cause of death, but the Fayette County Sheriff's Department has requested that the pro wrestling organization not release additional details at this time.
Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told The Associated Press the bodies were discovered about 2:30 p.m. Monday but refused to provide details about the crime scene.
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the details of the incident may "prove a little bizarre" to the public when released. A press conference is expected at some point in the afternoon.
The Journal-Constitution also reported that Benoit and his wife went through a difficult period after their marriage in 2000. Nancy Benoit petitioned for protection against domestic abuse as part of a 2003 divorce filing -- describing her husband as a "threat." In May 2003, a judge granted a restraining order, but both were dismissed upon Nancy Benoit's request three months later.
Benoit was a former world heavyweight and Intercontinental champion. He also held several tag-team titles during his career.
"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the wrestling organization said in a statement on its Web site.
The native of Canada maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the defunct World Championship Wrestling.
The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast.
"My relationship with Chris has extended many years and I consider him a great friend," Carl DeMarco, the president of WWE Canada, said in a statement. "Chris was always first-class warm, friendly, caring and professional one of the best in our business."
Benoit's wife managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name "Woman." Chris Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.
via Our Lady Peace MySpaceTuesday, June 26, 2007
So many questions
In 2000 Our Lady Peace was asked to write a song for a WWE wrestler. I admit to being heavily influenced by martial arts but entertainment wrestling was never my thing. I knew very little about the sport. Our drummer Jeremy was more the wrestling aficionado in the band. Nevertheless one night in Toronto we met with a professional wrestler for dinner at a local restaurant chain. His name was Chris Benoit. Immediately I was struck by his appearance. Not overly tall but freakishly muscular and wearing a very large neck brace. He had suffered a few herniated discs in his neck days before and was on hiatus until he had surgery and was able to rehab. Throughout the evening we learned about Chris and about the sport. Chris was a purest and came from a true wrestling background. His technical abilities were revered by all who followed him. Above that he seemed like a decent, nice man if not a little tortured. Nothing surprising coming from someone so dedicated to this absurd lifestyle of injuries, painkillers, steroids and constant travel. We ended up recording a theme song for him in Seattle during the next few months. We would see him a couple more times at various shows on tour in the US and he seemed pleased with the song we wrote for him.
Today I learned through numerous emails and Myspace comments that Chris Benoit had killed himself along with his 7 year old son and wife. I think back to that dinner we had years ago and struggle to come to grips with the fact that this was Chris' destiny. Assuming the authorities are correct in their assessment, I can't help but think Chris must have been in immeasurable pain both psychologically and physically. We may never know the answers to why this successful man ultimately was unable to handle this world and in no way do I personally absolve him of any guilt concerning the death of his son and wife. I guess I simply feel sad and somewhat shocked that someone I knew briefly had such a terrible and tragic ending to their life.
Raine Maida
