Doctors have pointed to
the fact that Chris Benoit’s tragic death can be attributed to years of
concussions. These concussions led to premature dimension, causing Benoit to
kill wife and son before killing himself. Doctors stated that Benoit had “shocking”
brain damage, due to tests showing Benoit’s brain was so damaged from
concussions from wrestling that it was similar to Alzheimer patients.
Benoit spent a majority of his life in the
ring as a professional wrestler, most notably with the WWE (World Wrestling
Entertainment) from 2000-2007. Benoit celebrated much success as a wrestler
winning the WWE and WCW World Championships during his illustrious career. Also
known as the Canadian Crippler, Benoit’s success was attributed to his skill within
the ring rather than his persona. With high flying moves like the diving
head-but, and vicious submissions like the sharpshooter and crippler cross face,
Benoit became a fan favourite. Chris Benoit was always known a kind and caring
person, which led many to surprise after hearing of the murder-suicide.
The wrestler’s father, told
reporters he agreed to brain testing due to the murder-suicide being out of
character for his son. Later after the killings, he discovered a diary written
by his son, indicating he was extremely disturbed at the time.
The human brain is not
built to withstand the blows to the head from tables and chairs that
professional wrestling provides. The level of brain damage Benoit had was most
likely the cause of his depression and irrational behaviour. Benoit’s brain
showed the same kind of damage effecting former football players who also
committed suicide. In Benoit’s case concussions not only stole his career, but
his life and families as well. This case should raise awareness to the danger
and severity of concussions if they are not noticed and treated effectively.
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