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Benoit Suffered 'Striking' Levels of Brain Damage

Suicidal wrestler had injuries of an elderly Alzheimer's patient

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2007 1:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – Brain damage may have led pro wrestler Chris Benoit to kill his wife, their son, and himself, a neurosurgeon said today, calling the injuries “striking and maybe shocking.” Tests performed on the WWE performer’s brain showed “dead brain cells,” Julian Bailes told ABC, and the organ resembled the brain of an elderly Alzheimer's patient.

The damage was “very abnormal and something you shouldn’t see in a 40-year-old,” Bailes said, adding that three major concussions may result in serious consequences. Benoit’s father said his son suffered “quite a number” of concussions. The new tests follow warnings from medical experts not to automatically assume steroids lay behind Benoit’s breakdown, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Dr. Julian Bailes, of the Sports Legacy Institute, speaks during a press conference while explaining the damage to the brain of former pro wrestler Chris Benoit, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 in New York. The image shows abnormal protein deposits indicating damage to Benoit's brain.   (AP Photo/Edouard H.R. Gluck)
Dr. Julian Bailes, of the Sports Legacy Institute, speaks during a press conference while explaining the damage to the brain of former pro wrestler Chris Benoit, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 in New York....   (Associated Press)
This March 29, 2004 file photo provided by World Wrestling Entertainment shows Chris Benoit. The future of Chris Benoit's millions could come down to the timing of a horrible crime
This March 29, 2004 file photo provided by World Wrestling Entertainment shows Chris Benoit. The future of Chris Benoit's millions could come down to the timing of a horrible crime   (Associated Press)
In this undated photo released by World Wrestling Entertainment, pro wrestler Chris Benoit is seen. Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found slain Monday, June 25, 2007, at their home in Fayetteville, Ga., authorities said.  (AP Photo/John Giamundo, WWE)
In this undated photo released by World Wrestling Entertainment, pro wrestler Chris Benoit is seen. Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found slain Monday, June 25, 2007, at their home in Fayetteville,...   (Associated Press)
World Wreslting Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon, right and wrestler Chris Benoit, from Edmonton, make their way in to a memorial service for wrestling legend Stu Hart Thursday, October 23, 2003. Benoit has been found dead at his suburban Atlanta home along with his wife Nancy and son, World Wrestling Entertainment...
World Wreslting Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon, right and wrestler Chris Benoit, from Edmonton, make their way in to a memorial service for wrestling legend Stu Hart Thursday, October 23, 2003....   (Associated Press)
Benoit appears at a Wrestlemania Press Conference In New York.
Benoit appears at a Wrestlemania Press Conference In New York.   (Getty Images)
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Anderson Cooper talks about Chris Benoit   (wwfnews818 (YouTube))

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