WWE's Benoit found dead

2007-06-26 08:16

Atlanta - Professional wrestler Chris Benoit was found dead on Monday along with his wife and young son at their Atlanta home, the World Wrestling Entertainment said on its website.

Law enforcement officials in Fayette County said on Monday the dead included Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and their seven-year old son, Daniel.

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported that police are investigating the case as a murder-suicide. No details were released but the results of autopsies are expected on Tuesday.

"I am deeply saddened over the loss of Chris Benoit," Carl DeMarco, president of WWE Canada said. "My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy go out to his parents and family.

"My relationship with Chris has extended many years and I consider him a great friend. Chris was always first-class, warm, friendly, caring and professional. One of the best in our business."

The 40-year-old Benoit was born in Montreal Canada and moved to Calgary in the mid-1980s where he got his start in professional wrestling under the late Stu Hart. Benoit later wrestled professionally in Japan before joining the WWE in 2000.

Benoit was scheduled to appear in a pay-per-view title match on Sunday, but backed out because of a "family emergency," the WWE announced on Sunday.

Benoit went by the ring name the "Canadian Crippler" and his signature moves included a flying headbutt, the triple German suplex and the "Crippler Crossface."

- AFP