STAMFORD, Conn. (CP) - Canadian pro wrestler Chris Benoit has been found dead at his suburban Atlanta home along with his wife Nancy and son, World Wrestling Entertainment said Monday.
"There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities," the WWE statement said on its website.
WWE said information about the deaths came from "authorities" in Fayetteville County, Ga. A spokesman for the Peachtree City Police Department said he had no information on the report, telling a reporter to contact his superior on Tuesday.
WWE spokeswoman Cheryl Kong in Toronto said Monday night's "Raw" TV program would serve as a tribute to Benoit and his family.
Benoit, 40, was born in Montreal and lived in Edmonton. He was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles over his career.
"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the website statement said.
Benoit was scheduled to wrestle at the Vengeance pay-per-view Sunday night in Houston, but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."
WWE Wrestler, Family Found Dead
Written By: Michael King
Last Modified: 6/25/2007 10:55:30 PM
WWE professional wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their home near White Water Country Club in Fayette County on Monday afternoon.
Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department said the three were found about 2:30 p.m.
Pope said they went to Benoit's residence a the request of WWE officials, who said he had missed professional appearances.
Police discovered three bodies in the home. Pope said they are presently investigating the deaths as a double murder-suicide. The family's bodies have been taken to the GBI crime lab, with autopsy results expected sometime during the day on Tuesday.
Benoit, 40, was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles over his career.
On their Web site, World Wrestling Entertainment officials said in a statement that Benoit and his family were found dead on Monday afternoon.
The statement said, "World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Monday night's 'Raw' on USA Network will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family."
WWE president Vince McMahon began Monday's USA Network "WWE Raw" program by announcing Benoit's death, and announcing that Monday's live program would be canceled. He said that in its place, they would air a three-hour tribute to Benoit's wrestling career.
Benoit was scheduled to perform at the "Vengeance" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston, but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."
Benoit, a Canadian native, maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the now-defunct World Championship Wrestling.
Benoit's wife, Nancy, managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name, "Woman." They met when her then-husband drew up a script that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing storyline on Turner-owned World Championship Wrestling.
Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.
The federal-style house is in a secluded neighborhood set back about 60 yards off a gravel road, surrounded by stacked stone wall and double-iron gate.
Monday night, the house was dark except for a few outside lights. There was a police car in front, and two uniformed officers.
Benoit's wife, Nancy, managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name, "Woman." They met when her then-husband drew up a script that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing storyline.[/quoted] WTF?
Is there any news on why he missed Vengance on Sunday night...besides the "personal reasons"...
QuoteBenoit's wife, Nancy, managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name, "Woman." They met when her then-husband drew up a script that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing storyline.[/quoted] WTF?
Nancy was married to Kevin Sullivan at the time she was a manger in WCW. Kevin Sullivan was acting as booker and wrestler at the time and put the 2 together. So yeah, pretty ironically, Benoit stole his his wife
Reported By Patrick W. Boucher on Jun 26, 2007 - 6:23:58 PM
TVWeek.com is reporting that Vince McMahon will open up tonight's ECW on Sci Fi broadcast to publicly apologize for the three hour tribute to Chris Benoit last night. The tribute aired before knowledge of Benoit's guilt in the murders of his son and wife as well as his own suicide.
This whole situation just makes me want to look at old WWF/WWE episodes, but the only thing I have from back then is a copy of WWF: No Mercy for the N64. Does anyone know any websites were I can find old tapes? (I hate to call them episodes)
Reported By Patrick W. Boucher on Jun 26, 2007 - 6:23:58 PM
TVWeek.com is reporting that Vince McMahon will open up tonight's ECW on Sci Fi broadcast to publicly apologize for the three hour tribute to Chris Benoit last night. The tribute aired before knowledge of Benoit's guilt in the murders of his son and wife as well as his own suicide.
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.
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 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, the WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world – entertain you.
Detailed WWE/Benoit timeline
Written: June 26, 2007Below is a detailed WWE/Chris Benoit timeline from Saturday to Monday:
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Chris Benoit was scheduled to appear at the WWE SmackDown/ ECW live event in Beaumont, Texas
3:30pm
A co-worker received a voice message from Benoit. The message from Benoit stated he missed his flight and over slept and would be late to the WWE Live Event. The co-worker called Benoit back, Benoit confirmed everything he said in his voice message and sounded tired and groggy. Benoit then stated, “I love you”. The co-worker stated that it was “out of context.”
3:42pm
The same co-worker was concerned with Benoit’s tone and demeanor and called Benoit for a second time. Benoit did not answer the call and the co-worker left a message stating “just call me back.”
3:44pm
Benoit called the co-worker back stating he didn’t answer the call because he was on the phone with Delta changing his flight. Benoit stated he had a real stressful day due to Nancy and Daniel being sick with food poisoning. They discussed travel plans for the WWE Tour of Texas with Benoit still sounding groggy at this point according to the co-worker.
4:30pm
A co-worker who consistently travels with Benoit, called Benoit from outside Houston airport and Benoit answered. Benoit told the co-worker that Nancy was throwing up blood and that Daniel was also throwing up. Benoit thought they had food poisoning. Benoit stated he changed his flight and he would be arriving into Houston at 6:30pm. Benoit told the co-worker to drive onto the WWE event.
5:35pm
Benoit called WWE Talent Relations stating that his son was throwing up and that he and Nancy were in the hospital with their son, and that Benoit would be taking a later flight into Houston, landing late, but would make the WWE live event in Beaumont.
6:10pm
A representative of Talent Relations called Benoit. The representative from Talent Relations asked Benoit what time Benoit was getting into Beaumont. Benoit responded he was leaving Atlanta at 9:20pm Eastern time arriving into Houston at 9:24pm Central time. The representative from Talent Relations advised Benoit that it would be too late to make the WWE live event in Beaumont. Benoit apologized citing he had a family emergency. The representative from Talent Relations suggested to Benoit that instead of going to the WWE live event in Beaumont, Benoit should take the flight to Houston, rest up and be ready for the Vengeance Pay-Per-View event.
6:13pm
The representative from Talent Relations called Benoit to reconfirm the travel plans with no answer from Benoit. The representative from Talent Relations left a voice message to take the flight and rest up.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Text messages sent to co-workers from Chris Benoit and Nancy Benoit’s cell phones:
Text Message 1
Sent to: Two Co-Workers (the same who had verbal correspondence with Benoit the day before)
From: Benoit’s cell phone
When: 6/24 at 3:53am from
Message: C, S. My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215
Text Message 2
Sent to: Two Co-Workers (the same who had verbal correspondence with Benoit the day before)
From: Benoit’s cell phone
When: 6/24 at 3:53am
Message: The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open
Text Message 3
Sent to: Two Co-Workers (the same who had verbal correspondence with Benoit the day before)
From: Nancy Benoit’s cell phone
When: 6/24 at 3:54am
Message: C, S. My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215
Text Message 4
Sent to: Two Co-Workers (the same who had verbal correspondence with Benoit the day before)
From: Nancy Benoit’s cell phone
When: 6/24 at 3:55am
Message: C, S. My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215
Text Message 5
Sent to: A Co-Worker who consistently traveled with Benoit
From: Nancy Benoit’s cell phone
When: 6/24 at 3:58am
Message: My address is 130 Green Meadow Lane. Fayetteville Georgia. 30215
WWE made several attempts to contact Benoit via phone and text messages, as well as, the local hospitals in the Atlanta area. As of 11:00 pm Sunday night there was no contact made with Benoit.
Monday, June 25, 2007
12:30pm
WWE was notified of text messages sent to the two co-workers.
12:45pm
WWE contacted the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office and requested them to go to Benoit’s
residence
4:00pm
WWE received a call from the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s office, advising that they entered
the house of Benoit and found 3 deceased bodies (a male, a female and a child). The Fayette County Sheriff’s office has secured the house as a “major crime scene” and that the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office had no further information.
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/6964262?MSNHPHMACompairing Benoit to a carnaval attraction? That's just bad taste in my opinion.
The above link is FoxSport's take on the whole thing.
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/6964262?MSNHPHMACompairing Benoit to a carnaval attraction? That's just bad taste in my opinion.
The above link is FoxSport's take on the whole thing.
Add Chris Benoit to the long list of freakishly muscled carnival attractions for whom a pro wrestling career ended tragically.
... I don't think it's in bad taste... fairly apt actually.
Call me crazy... but the "bad taste" I have is due to the double-murder followed by suicide. Observing that the guy, like many wrestlers, appears like a modern day equivelent of the old carnival 'freak' strong man... that doesn't even register.
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/6964262?MSNHPHMACompairing Benoit to a carnaval attraction? That's just bad taste in my opinion.
The above link is FoxSport's take on the whole thing.
Also in context the article was referring to the group of dead wrestlers as a whole to which the Benoit family have now been added.I have no problem with the article itself, except that none of the the guys on the list murdered anybody.
I do think the guy has a point, but he also apparently has a bone to pick with wrestling. The fact that he chooses to pick it so soon after Benoit's death just makes him look petty and vindictive.
Still - I think he makes some valid points in his article about how rasslin' sort of has the tendancy to attracted tragedy.....
The ammount of physical injuries that they sustain is way higher than any pro athelete in any "real" sport
What was everyone's favorite wrestling storyline, btw?
Mine was undoubtedly and unquestionably the Crow-Sting storyline...
Wikipedia notes death of Benoit's wife before body found
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Investigators are looking into who altered pro wrestler Chris Benoit's Wikipedia entry to mention his wife's death hours before authorities discovered the bodies of the couple and their 7-year-old son.
Benoit's Wikipedia entry was altered early Monday to say that the wrestler had missed a match two days earlier because of his wife's death.
A Wikipedia official, Cary Bass, said Thursday that the entry was made by someone using an Internet protocol address registered in Stamford, Connecticut, where World Wrestling Entertainment is based.
An IP address, a unique series of numbers carried by every machine connected to the Internet, does not necessarily have to be broadcast from where it is registered. The bodies were found in Benoit's home in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, and it's not known where the posting was sent from, Bass said.
Benoit strangled his wife and son during the weekend, placing Bibles next to their bodies, before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine in his home, authorities said. No motive was offered for the killings, which were discovered Monday.
Officials raid office of Benoit's doctor
Also Thursday, federal drug agents said they had raided the west Georgia office of a doctor who prescribed testosterone to Benoit.
The raid at Dr. Phil Astin's office in Carrollton began Wednesday night and concluded early Thursday, said agent Chuvalo Truesdell, a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration. No arrests were made.
Hours before the raid, Astin told The Associated Press he had treated Benoit for low testosterone levels, which he said likely originated from previous steroid use.
Among other things, investigators were looking for Benoit's medical records to see whether he had been prescribed steroids and, if so, whether that prescription was appropriate, according to a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity because records in the case remain sealed.
Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office Friday.
State medical records show that Astin's privileges were suspended for three months in 2001 at a Georgia hospital for "reasons related to competence or character."
Astin did not return calls to his cell phone from the AP on Thursday.
Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said in a statement Thursday that he could not immediately comment on the raid.
Benoit's page on Wikipedia, a reference site that allows users to add and edit information, was updated at 12:01 a.m. Monday, about 14 hours before authorities say the bodies were found. The reason he missed a match Saturday night was "stemming from the death of his wife Nancy," it said.
Reporters informed the Fayette County district attorney's office of the posting Thursday, and the agency forwarded the information to sheriff's investigators, who are looking into it, a legal assistant said in an e-mail to the AP.
WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt said that to his knowledge, no one at the WWE knew Nancy Benoit was dead before her body was found Monday afternoon. Text messages released by officials show that messages from Chris Benoit's cell phone were being sent to co-workers a few hours after the Wikipedia posting.
WWE employees are given WWE e-mail addresses, McDevitt said, though he did not know whether Chris Benoit had one.
"I have no idea who posted this," McDevitt said. "It's at least possible Chris may have sent some other text message to someone that we're unaware of. We don't know if he did. The phone is in the possession of authorities."
On Thursday afternoon, the Wikipedia page about Benoit carried a note stating that editing by unregistered or newly registered users was disabled until July 8 because of vandalism.
In other developments Thursday, Ballard told the AP that 10 empty beer cans were found in a trash can in the Benoit home. An empty wine bottle was found a few feet from where Benoit hanged himself, Ballard said.
It could take several weeks for toxicology tests to be completed on Benoit to see what substances, if any, were in his system.
Benoit took four months off from work in 2006 for undisclosed personal reasons, McDevitt said.
"He was feeling depressed, that kind of thing," McDevitt said.
In the days before the killings, Benoit and his wife argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their mentally retarded 7-year-old son, according to an attorney for the WWE wrestling league.
The child had a rare medical condition called Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited form of mental retardation often accompanied by autism.
Chris Benoit's father, Michael Benoit, declined to comment on the slayings when reached Thursday by telephone in Alberta, Canada. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
Wikipedia notes death of Benoit's wife before body found
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Investigators are looking into who altered pro wrestler Chris Benoit's Wikipedia entry to mention his wife's death hours before authorities discovered the bodies of the couple and their 7-year-old son.
Benoit's Wikipedia entry was altered early Monday to say that the wrestler had missed a match two days earlier because of his wife's death.
Damn and i was just about to post that Wikipedia thing as I just found it on the G4 site, but anyways man that's just odd
This was Not Premeditated by any means despite what Vince McMahon says now that he's trying to weasel out and wash his hands of the situation!