A haunting final message from WWE icon Chris Benoit has reemerged almost twenty years after a tragic event in wrestling history. Back in June 2007, Benoit, a prominent figure in WWE at the time, committed a heinous act by taking the lives of his wife, Nancy, and their seven-year-old son, Daniel, before ending his own life in Fayetteville, Georgia.
This shocking incident not only deeply impacted the world but also had a lasting effect on the landscape of professional wrestling. Leading up to the discovery of the murders, Benoit had sent disturbing messages to his close friend and fellow wrestler Chavo Guerrero, indicating that something was amiss.
Police later uncovered a chilling voicemail left by Benoit for a friend, where he mentioned that his dogs were outside and the back door was open, hinting at a troubling situation within his home. Concern grew when Benoit failed to show up at a scheduled WWE pay-per-view event, prompting a welfare check on his family.
On June 25, 2007, authorities found the lifeless bodies of Benoit, Nancy, and Daniel in their residence. Investigations revealed that the tragic events unfolded over a three-day period, with Nancy being strangled first, followed by the sedation and suffocation of Daniel, and Benoit’s suicide by hanging in his basement.
At the time of his passing at the age of 40, Benoit was renowned for his exceptional wrestling skills. Just three years prior, he had celebrated a championship win at WrestleMania 20 alongside his family, showcasing his success in the ring.
Postmortem examinations of Benoit’s brain indicated severe damage consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition associated with repetitive head injuries, likening his brain to that of someone with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Despite WWE initially paying tribute to him posthumously, the company swiftly distanced itself from Benoit once the truth behind the tragedy emerged.
His name is now rarely mentioned in WWE circles, excluded from the Hall of Fame, and forever overshadowed by his horrific actions. If you or someone you know is in distress, assistance is available through organizations like Samaritans in the UK & ROI at 116 123 or in the US by calling or texting 988.