WWE Wrestler, Family Found Dead

WWE professional wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead inside their home near White Water Country Club in Fayette County on Monday afternoon. Authorities believe Benoit may have killed his wife and son over the weekend, and then himself on Monday.

Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department said the three were found about 2:30 p.m. Monday after Benoit cancelled a pay-per-view appearance in Houston for "personal reasons." Pope said officers went to Benoit's residence at the request of WWE officials.

Police discovered three bodies in the home. Pope said they are presently investigating the deaths as a double murder-suicide. The family's bodies have been taken to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab, with autopsy results expected sometime during the day on Tuesday.

Police have sealed Benoit's home, and have withheld some of the details of what they found inside the house, but it is known that a gun was not used in connection with the deaths. Investigators said they will be paying close attention to the toxicology report when autopsy results become available.

Benoit, 40, was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team titles over his career.

On their Web site, World Wrestling Entertainment officials said in a statement that Benoit and his family were found dead on Monday afternoon.

The statement said, "World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Monday night's 'Raw' on USA Network will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family."

WWE president Vince McMahon began Monday's USA Network "WWE Raw" program by announcing Benoit's death, and announcing that Monday's live program would be canceled. He said that in its place, they would air a three-hour tribute to Benoit's wrestling career.

Benoit was scheduled to perform at the "Vengeance" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston, but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."

Benoit, a Canadian native, maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the now-defunct World Championship Wrestling.

Benoit's wife, Nancy, managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name, "Woman." They met when her then-husband drew up a script that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing storyline on Turner-owned World Championship Wrestling.

Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.

The federal-style house is in a secluded neighborhood set back about 60 yards off a gravel road, surrounded by stacked stone wall and double-iron gate.

Monday night, the house was dark except for a few outside lights. There was a police car in front, and two uniformed officers.