World Wrestling Entertainment announced the passing of Chris Benoit and his family. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is reporting that authorities have confirmed that Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead at the home near White Water Country Club in Fayetteville, Georgia. Officials would not say how the family died, other than to say they weren’t shot to death. Lieutenant Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department said the three were found about 2:30 p.m., but he would release no other details. Pope said results of autopsies on Benoit, his wife Nancy, and 7-year-old son Daniel were expected Tuesday. He would not say how the bodies were discovered, or who found them. Police are investigating the deaths as a homicide.
Benoit, 40, was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles over his career. 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 World Championship Wrestling. Soon after, the two became romantically involved in real life and later got married. Chris Benoit is survived by his son David and his daughter Megan from a prior relationship.
Instead of its announced programming for tonight on USA Network, WWE will air a three-hour tribute to Chris Benoit. Inside Pro Wrestling extends its condolences and prayers to the Benoit family and loved ones in this time of tragedy.
UPDATE: 1Wrestling.com has some details about Benoit missing a recent house show and the Vengence pay per view last night: Chris Benoit had been scheduled to appear on a WWE house show on Saturday. Sources tell us Benoit called to first say he would be taking a later flight, and then to say he would not be attending the house show due to a family illness. According to one source, Benoit said both his wife and son were throwing up blood and he needed to stay to take care of them. Sources tell 1Wrestling.com that police were dispatched to the Benoit home after receiving a call from WWE officials who were concerned that they were not able to get in touch with Benoit.
