Wrestler Chris Benoit, Wife and Child Found Dead

[4.9 EF Futura]

Originally Posted by The_Axe

Right... mind is made up.

What an absolute selfish act. To take the lives of your wife and your seven year old son, then not pay for it by hanging yourself is a dog act.

I withdraw my R.I.P. for him, but it stays for his wife and son.

Lol, who needs a coroner's report when you've got AFF and ninemsn!!??!?

Perhaps we should wait for all the facts, a proper investigation, results from the blood work etc etc etc intead of tailoring an opinion to suit the dribs and drabs of info coming from mainstream media??????

Shame to hear about loss of 3 lives.

Doesnt make professional wrestling suck any less than it does!!

WTF!

Shocking.

[kyro_02]

now to find out why he did it???

[Dazza XLT]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

WWE has pulled all international showings of RAW due to them airing a 3 hour tribute, If you look on wwe.com you'll see He's barely mentioned now, all his merchandise has been pulled off the site...they're distancing themselves from him.

My oath they are

Originally Posted by WWE Website

As facts emerged surrounding the case, all tributes to Chris Benoit were removed both on-air and on WWE.com.

http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/chrisbenoittimeline

[Tony xa]

Its sad and shocking but if it went down the way they say then unfortunatly he doesn't deserve to be remembered at all .

Rip for the innocent ones

[TheSneakiness]

Originally Posted by 4.9 EF Futura

Perhaps we should wait for all the facts, a proper investigation, results from the blood work etc etc etc intead of tailoring an opinion to suit the dribs and drabs of info coming from mainstream media??????

Fair call, but with most other outlets reporting the same thing, wouldn't you think it was fairly true and accurate?

[Ives]

Very shocking news.

[aye you]

only mention on the WWE.com site is the message from Vince McMahon (see, knew he wasn't dead) played before RAW was suposed to air. Thier really putting distance to him about this, until the matter is fully solved.

[DoreSlamR]

Quote from Vince McMahon at the beginning of the ECW show:

Last night on Monday Night RAW, the WWE presented a special tribute show recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit's name tonight.

On the contrary, tonight's show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world, entertain you.

[Woz]

Originally Posted by WWE.com

WWE® Shocked At Latest Developments In Benoit Tragedy, Concerned By Sensationalistic Reporting
Written: June 26, 2007
STAMFORD, Conn., June 26, 2007 – World Wrestling Entertainment is stunned and saddened by the details released by local authorities concerning the double homicide-suicide involving Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and his son, Daniel.

However, WWE is concerned with the sensationalistic reporting and speculation being undertaken by some members of the media following the press conference held by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney. During the press conference, the investigating authorities made the following points, all of which run contrary to the media speculation that "roid rage" was a factor in the senseless murders and suicide:

1. The authorities stated that all drugs found in the house were believed to be legal prescriptions.

2. Steroids were not, and could not, be related to the cause of death (asphyxiation). Authorities had no factual basis to speculate as to Benoit’s state of mind, and rightly did not do so.

3. Toxicology tests have not even been completed, so there is no current evidence that Benoit even had steroids or any other substance in his body. In that regard, on the last test done on Benoit by WWE's independently administered drug testing program, done on April 10, 2007, Benoit tested negative.

4. The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage. The wife's feet and hands were bound and she was asphyxiated, not beaten to death. By the account of the authorities, there were substantial periods of time between the death of the wife and the death of the son, again suggesting deliberate thought, not rage. The presence of a Bible by each is also not an act of rage.

5. WWE strongly suggests that it is entirely wrong for speculators to suggest that steroids had anything to do with these senseless acts, especially when the authorities plainly stated there is no evidence that Benoit had steroids in his body, pending the toxicological reports, and that they had no evidence at this time as to the motive for these acts.

WWE is continuing to monitor the ongoing investigation being conducted by local authorities.

Also, this...

Originally Posted by WWE.com

Benoit’s son suffered from Fragile X Syndrome; speculation over whether pressure was too much
Written: June 27, 2007
WWE.com learned from an interview conducted Tuesday by Vancouver’s News1130 that Chris Benoit’s son Daniel possibly suffered from Fragile X Syndrome, a genetically passed-on condition that results in impairments ranging from physical and learning disabilities, to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities.

In the interview with News1130, Pam Winthrope, whose own 12-year-old son suffers from Fragile X Syndrome, recounted how she and her husband talked to Benoit about the condition five years ago.

“We talked to him because I was trying to set up a support group in B.C. and in Canada; we only have a couple of them,” she said. “My husband was struggling when we got diagnosed with our son, and Chris was struggling with his. They talked for a few minutes, and then he said he didn’t want to be a public face for Fragile X. He just wanted to keep it really, really quiet.”

A source close to Benoit recalls similar conversations with him, where he described his son’s condition as “a learning disability much like autism.” This source quotes Benoit as saying “Daniel wasn’t capable of interacting with other children and was afraid of other children. Daniel also had a hard time making eye contact with everyone, which was another symptom of his disability.” Benoit also claimed that his son was on medication for this condition.

Winthrope discussed the pressures facing parents of children diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome. During her interview with News1130, she stated that families can be torn apart by the disease because it's very difficult to find help and support. Winthrope added, "You as a parent have to go out there and find what's available and it's not easy -- they don't tell you."

A co-worker and long-time friend of the Benoits speculates that perhaps the pressures of home and Daniel’s illness had gotten to him, causing him to snap and take the lives of his wife and son before taking his own.

“Is it possible that after Chris killed Nancy (for whatever reason), he felt Daniel wouldn't be able to get the care and attention he required as a special needs child (if that is indeed true) with no mother and a father either in jail or dead? Did he then decide that the only way he could protect and take care of his son was to take him to the next world and go with him? In his warped and twisted state, did he think this was the only way to shield his son from a difficult life of pain and hardship? It doesn't condone or justify a damn thing, but it's the best reason I can think of. I'm trying to put together some semblance of logic for his actions, but it's an impossible task trying to explain this.”

[TUF_302]

I dunno what to say, i grew up watchin him wrestle, now this happens, no idea how i feel about it at the moment.

[Miyagi]

Honestly who gives a feck about Benoit, an innocent life was snuffed out. My thoughts go out to those family members left to pick up the pieces and trying to sift through the mess. I couldn't fathom what they'd be going through. :(

[uranium_death]

Benoit, regardless of who we might have been will now always be remembered for being a murderer. Anything else is insignificant.

Regards to his wife's family, as well as his own parents who if still alive, have to carry the knowledge that their son has destroyed many lives.

The strength of the human spirit however has great provision for getting through periods of adversity. We shall see it once again.

[FASTXR]

Well, things have now taken a very interesting turn....


http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21988443-2,00.html

[Eb Barbie]

Im not a fan of wrestling, but no matter what the excuses are, there is no reason to kill someone let alone your own family! If he was going to hang himself then he should have just done that in the first place and leave his wife and son to have a future.

[XR-6002]

Very interesting indeed.

[kyro_02]

I wonder if it would some how turn into a supposed double murder suicide .. except someone killed them and set it all up... (re: wiki entry) - ok hard to do, but "anything is possible" . well lets put the theories aside.

i didn't know the guy; even from tv(hardly watch wwe), but r.i.p to all affected, just a shame benoit would do such a cowardly act .

[FASTXR]

I'm surprised that no-one suggested that maybe it was Benoit himself who made the Wiki change? No idea why he'd do it, but then I have no idea why he'd possibly kill his family either...

[TICKFORD_XR6]

shouldnt the wwe put a tribute up for chris benoit? he has been a wrestler for 22 years
they should put a bit of a tribute up and say nothing about the way he died or what he did, no matter how cowardly it was of him.
inside wwe, remember him for his wrestling career.
and the ouside can be left ouside of the wwe

[Ryan]

I was a big wrestling fan for almost 10 years, and haven't watched a WWE broadcast in 12 months, but I was shocked to hell, when I heard about this.

It's just a situation no one wants to face. Not only did he kill himself, but he killed his own wife, and 7 year old son. It's a real shame, because he wont be remembered for the great wrestler that he was, but a cold blooded murderer, that ****ed on a 22 year legacy.

I have all the respect in the world for him, as a entertainer, and athlete, but as a person, he is no different to any other scumbag P.O.S that kills women and children.

The worst thing is he has 2 other children, aged 14 and 10 with no brother, mother, or father now.

So, so messed up. I send my deepest condolences to the Benoit family.

[BOOSTDEF]

Yeh its all a bit wierd hey. I mean, there has to be some thought of conspiracy here.

I used to watch wrestling for years, and he was as big as Hogan in our generation basically. This shocks me quite a bit.

Sure the facts are there, but only 3+ people really know what happened. And this Wiki post, with 2 other connections(one being WWE head compound) all seems..... Susss

Dont get me wrong though, If this is true, It was one hell of a cowardly act, and well hell of a black day for wrestling(, they have had a few of those in recent times).

[kyro_02]

more information,
(recap - over time)
chris benoit and his wife had problems because chris benoit was not home to take care of son enough.
chris benoit and his wife thought son was undersized
benoit gave steroids to his son(over a period of time)
hours after speaking to his physician - the killings took place.

source #1: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2...290716,00.html

WWE's lawyer has given the first clue to a possible motive for wrestler Chris Benoit's murder of his wife and young son.

Jerry McDevitt told how seven-year-old Daniel was mentally retarded - and that Chris and Nancy argued over who should stay at home and take care of him.

McDevitt - who successfully defended WWE chairman Vince McMahon against charges of distributing steroids to his stars in the 1990s - also confirmed that young Daniel suffered from Fragile X Syndrome, which can cause autism, behavioural problems and retardation.

He said: "I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with.

"We do know it was a source of stress and consternation."

The lawyer said that Chris's friends and family told the WWE that he and Nancy were struggling with schools, as Daniel had recently finished nursery.

He added: "Nancy didn't want him to quit wrestling, but she wanted him to be at home more to care for the kid.

"She'd say she can't take care of him by herself when he was on the road."

Chris's personal physician and longtime friend Dr Phil Astin has also spoken out.

He said the wrestler did not give any indication he was troubled when they met just hours before the start of his killing spree in which he strangled Nancy, smothered Daniel and then committed suicide.

Benoit had been under the care of Astin for treatment of low testosterone levels, a condition that the medic says likely originated from previous steroid use.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit in the past but would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed the day of their final meeting.

Source #2: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2...290539,00.html

WRESTLING killer Chris Benoit was so obsessed with steroids - he even injected his seven-year-old son with growth hormone.

Daniel - who was murdered by Benoit along with mum Nancy before the WWE star committed suicide - was found with needle marks in his arms.

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard confirmed the findings, saying Daniel had been given growth hormones for some time because Chris and Nancy considered him to be undersized.

He added: "The boy was very small, even dwarfed."

Daniel was also said to have Fragile X Syndrome, a condition which can lead to behaviour problems, autism, hyperactivity and in some cases mental retardation.

Sources in the States say Chris, who was a lot smaller than your typical wrestling superstar, took steroids throughout his career as he was worried about losing work due to his size.

One reported: "This was decades and decades of steroid use with no cycling - even when undergoing neck surgery.

"And that's not healthy in any way."

Investigators say Chris illegally received deliveries from a Florida business called MedXLife.com that sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet.

Six people at the pharmacy, including two of the owners, have already pleaded guilty to supplying sport stars with drugs and 20 more have been arrested.

Since the death of Benoit's pal and fellow MedXLife.com customer Eddie Guerrero from heart failure in November 2005 - brought on by years of alcohol, drug and steroid abuse - the WWE instituted a strict testing procedure.

However, crucially, the company's 'Wellness Policy' allowed for prescribed steroids, meaning use is still rife.

It states: "The WWE policy prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as well as other prescription drugs which can be abused, if taken for other than a legitimate medical purpose pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed and treating physician."

Smaller wrestling groups in the US and UK don't test at all.

[FASTXR]

And just when you thought things had gotten weird enough:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599...-38198,00.html

Here's an extract:

A BIZARRE Australian link has emerged in the murder-suicide of US wrestling star Chris Benoit - with evidence news of his wife's death was posted on the web from Sydney 14 hours before police made it public.

While police did not find the bodies of Benoit, his wife and son until 6.30pm local time, the Wikipedia entry on the death of Benoit's wife updated much earlier - first at 4am local time from a computer apparently in Connecticut, and then an hour later from a computer connected to the internet via Australian provider Unwired.com.au.

The computer has been reported as being in Sydney.

VERY strange....