Brain damage caused by concussions during his years in the ring could have contributed to the reason pro wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife, son and himself, doctors who studied his brain suggested Wednesday.
The analysis by doctors with the Sports Legacy Institute suggests repeated concussions could have contributed to the killings at Benoit's suburban Atlanta home, though there was no way to know for sure.
"Whether it is the sole factor, I believe, is speculation, and I will not go there," said Dr. Robert Cantu, a member of the Waltham, Mass.-based institute, which researches the long-term effects of concussions.
The level of brain damage Benoit had could have caused depression and irrational behavior, said Cantu, who also is chief of neurosurgery service at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass.
Michael Benoit, the wrestler's father, said Wednesday he agreed to the testing of his son's brain because murder-suicide was so out of character. He said his son complained about suffering concussions, but that he knows of no medical records or records kept by the wrestling league to support the diagnosis.
Steroid use also has been suggested as a theory behind the killings, since anabolic steroids were found in Chris Benoit's home and tests conducted by authorities concluded Benoit had roughly 10 times the normal level of testosterone in his system when he died.
The father said he has not discussed with his attorney whether to take any legal action against World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. or anyone else in the case.
Prosecutors have said Benoit, 40, strangled his wife with a cord, used a choke hold to strangle his 7-year-old son, placed Bibles next to the bodies and hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment the weekend of June 22. - Source: Xinhua/agencies
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