In the biggest development in the Benoit family tragedy story since the toxicology reports came back, ABCnews.com has reported that according to tests on Chris Benoit’s brain conducted by Julian Bailes of the Sports Legacy Institute (former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski is the president of this organization), “Benoit’s brain was so severely damaged it resembled the brain of an 85-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.” The story goes on to say that “Bailes and his research team say that this damage was the result of a lifetime of chronic concussions and head trauma suffered while Benoit was in the wrestling ring.”
Bailes and his research team have also looked at the brains of other athletes who committed suicide, with Bailes telling ABC that “There is a constant theme in the failure of their personal lives, their business lives, depression and then ultimately suicide.” Bailes and his team’s theory is that repeated concussions can lead to dementia. According to the article, Benoit told friends he received more concussions than he could count, but Bailes says that three concussions can be too many.
Chris’ father Michael wants his remaining grandchildren to know that his father was a good person and that this wasn’t his fault. “Bascially, once the findings came out and I had the opportunity to talk to the doctors, we certainly had an understanding of what could have contributed to the tragedy that took place that day,” Michael Benoit said to ABC.
The major story will be followed up on tonight’s Nightline.
