Wrestling star Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and their 7-year-old son, Daniel, were found dead in their suburban Atlanta home Monday. The deaths are being investigated as a possible suicide and double homicide, authorities told ABC News.
Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriffâs Department told ABC News that Benoit had missed several appointments over the weekend, and friends say they received what they called âcuriousâ text messages from Benoit.
Concerned parties to ask police to do a âwelfare check.â When sheriffs arrived at the Benoitsâ home, they found the wrestler, his wife and their son dead.
There were no signs of gunshot wounds or stabbing, according to Pope. Authorities are not ruling out other causes, such as poisoning, suffocation or strangulation. Pope told ABC News that his department is looking at this situation as a âpossible double murder, suicide.â
Pope said âthe instruments of death were located on scene,â but he would not specify what those instruments are or where in the house the bodies were found. Pope added the department is ânot actively searching for any suspects outside of the house.â
An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. However, it could be weeks before there is a result.
Benoit, 40, was scheduled to spar against C.M. Punk in a pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston for the Extreme Champion Wrestling title. But Benoit canceled before the event, citing personal reasons.
A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Benoit was known in the ring as the âCanadian Crippler.â
Following the announcement of the deaths, World Wrestling Entertainment issued a statement: âChris was beloved among his fellow superstars, and was a favorite among WWE fans for his unbelievable athleticism and wrestling ability. He always took great pride in his performance, and always showed respect for the business he loved, for his peers and toward his fans. This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss. WWE extends its sincere condolences and prayers to the Benoit family and loved ones in this time of tragedy.â
WWE announced that it would drop its planned Monday night line-up on the USA Network to air a three-hour tribute to Benoit.
In a sport known for bravado and bullying, Benoit was very much beloved and respected by his peers. He was passionate about his profession and served as a mentor to many younger, up-and-coming performers.
As an indication of how much the fans enjoyed him, when the crowd in Houstonâs Toyota Center learned Sunday night that he wouldnât be there, they chanted, âWe want Benoit!â
Benoitâs wife was also in the wrestling business as a valet and manager. She was known as âWoman.â The two met while they both worked for the now-defunct World Championship Wrestling, which was owned by Ted Turner until Vince McMahonâs WWE bought it out.
The WWEâs regularly scheduled program, âMonday Night Raw,â was entirely devoted to remembering the life and career of Benoit.
(Via ABC Sports News)