Chris Benoit died by suicide after killing his wife and young son in a three- day murder–suicide that took place in June 2007 at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia. He was found dead in his home gym, where he had used a cable from a weight (lat pulldown) machine to hang himself.

What happened

Police determined that Benoit killed his wife Nancy first, then their seven- year-old son Daniel, before taking his own life. Both Nancy and Daniel died from asphyxiation, while Benoit died from hanging.

Method of death

Investigators reported that Benoit removed the bar from his lat pulldown machine, fashioned a noose with the cable or attached cord, and then released the weights, causing fatal neck injury and strangulation. His body was discovered hanging from this equipment when officers conducted a welfare check at the residence.

Possible contributing factors

Later examinations of Benoit’s brain found severe damage consistent with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma, and this has been discussed as a possible factor in his actions. Toxicology tests also showed prescription drugs and elevated testosterone levels, leading to debate about the roles of brain injury, substance use, and mental health in the tragedy.