The Benoit Family Found Dead
June 25 - June 27, 2007


On Monday, June 25, WWE was notified of the text messages sent to Chavo Guerrero and Scott Armstrong. The company asked the Fayette County Sheriff's Department to check on the Benoit family. After discovering the bodies, the police notified WWE around 4:00 p.m., informing them that they had discovered three bodies at the Benoit home and the house was now ruled as a "major crime scene"

[Benoit's Text Messages]

Update 1: 6/25 9:30 P.M.
According to AP NEWS, the bodies were discovered at 2:30 P.M. The Fayette County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case as a homicide and results from the three autopsies are expected sometime on Tuesday. In a horrible irony, tonight's episode of Monday Night RAW was scheduled to be a three-hour tribute to the "late" Mr. McMahon who was "blown up" while in his limo. Tonight's live event was canceled. Vince McMahon appeared on TV for the first time since his "death" in the empty arena where the show was supposed to take place and announced the tragic news. The three hour show became a tribute to Chris Benoit that featured classic matches and current stars talking about their late friend and his family. During the show, it was announced that Chris is survived by a son, David, and a daughter, Megan. Those children are from another relationship.

Update 2: 6/25 11:15 P.M.
WWE.com is reporting that the deaths of the Benoit family were the result of a double murder-suicide that took place in the home. It is not known at this time which member of the family was responsible for this tragedy.

Update 3: 6/26 12:15 A.M.
I read this on Sports Illustrated.com and can't bring myself to write about what was said so I'm just copying a portion that was in their report:

      "Investigators believe the 40-year-old Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, over the weekend, then himself on Monday. A neighbor called police, and the bodies were found in three rooms."

Update 4: 6/26 6:30 A.M.
WWE.com is reporting that they contacted the police in Georgia to check on the Benoit residence because some of his friends received text messages on Sunday morning that concerned them. World Wrestling Entertainment is also reporting that they have more information relating to both the investigation and the cause of death but are not releasing it due to a request from the police. Autopsies on the three bodies are scheduled for later this morning.

Update 5: 6/26 4:00 P.M.
In a press conference held earlier today, many gruesome details were announced about the situation.

    * Nancy Benoit was strangled to death on Friday. Detectives discovered her with her feet and wrists bound, her body wrapped in a towel and a bible by her side. The body was discovered in an office area of the home.
    * Police believe Daniel was smothered the next day in his bed. There were no signs of a struggle. A bible was also placed next to his body.
    * Chris hung himself in the gym area of the house using a cord from gym equipment. Police think he did it either late Saturday or on Sunday.
    * There was no suicide note and police are trying to figure out a motive.
    * Legal prescription drugs were found in the house. One of the prescribed drugs found were steroids.
    * Toxicology reports will take two weeks.
    * In 2003, Nancy had filed for divorce and requested an issue of protection from Chris. A few months later, she filed to have the papers dismissed.

[copy of the divorce papers]

Update 6: 6/27 11:30 A.M.
Several more details about the case have been trickling in over the past few hours.
# ESPN.com is reporting that needle marks were found on the arm of Daniel and that investigators believe the child was being given human growth hormone because he was undersized. That may be related to another report that came out later about Daniel. Several media outlets are reporting that Daniel may have suffered from a disease called Fragile X Syndrome. It is a form of mental impairment that can also cause physical abnormalities.


WWE's Statement Regarding Death

"World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit, wife Nancy and son Daniel 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.

Tonight's Raw on USA Network will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family. WWE and The Wrestling Post extend their sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family and loved ones in this time of tragedy"

- WWE.com

TNA's Statement Regarding Death

"TNAWrestling.com issued the following statement regarding the reported death of Chris Benoit and his wife and son:

Everyone in the TNA family joins the entire wrestling world in mourning the untimely passing of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel.

Many TNA staff and stars worked closely with Chris throughout his career and we are all shocked and saddened to lose a friend and legendary competitor. Benoit was considered a consummate professional both in and out of the ring. Please keep Chris and the Benoit family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of tragedy"

- TNAWrestling.com

Both statements were pulled when the revelations of the Murder-Suicide were reveled.

The Media Reacts.

When the news was released about Benoit's death, most mainstream news outlets covered the story, including MSNBC and Fox News. Benoit made the cover of People magazine. ECW Press announced on July 16 that noted wrestling writer Irvin Muchnick had written a book on the Benoit case. [Read Annoucement]

Below are some official links to media sites that reported on the deaths.

-CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Chris Benoit, family found dead

-FOX NEWS - Cops Suspect Murder-Suicide in Killings of Pro Wrestler Chris Benoit and His Family

-ABC NEWS - WWE wrestler Benoit and family found dead

-WWE Canadian wrestler Benoit, wife and son found dead