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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Update on Benoit

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Yesterday was the shock of the death of Chris Benoit and his family.

With the rising of the sun came the grisly details of what is now deemed a double-murder and suicide.

From the looks of things, Benoit strangled his wife Nancy after binding her feet and wrists Friday night in an upstairs family room. He choked his son Daniel in Daniel’s bed late Saturday or early Sunday, then killed himself in the basement weight room sometime Sunday or Monday. Even more bizarre was a Bible placed next to Nancy’s and Daniel’s bodies.

It was unsettling enough finding about Benoit’s death yesterday, but these added details have left me in limbo. Was Benoit dealing with mental issues? How long had he planned this out? Is this steroid related? And if so how much should the WWE be liable? Why are these performers dropping out like flies?

Regardless of what comes out after the toxicology reports and investigation, this is a tragedy first and foremost and a huge loss in the world of professional wrestling. Say what you want about the validity of WWE, it is a part of our culture and a loss like this reverberates throughout our society.

AP Photo by Darryl Dyck

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