Chris Benoit’s sister-in-law, Sandra Toffoloni, was recently interviewed by The2Counter.com about the tragic double murder/suicide in 2007.
Below are highlights:
Toffoloni on reports that Chris Benoit’s breakdown was caused by Concussion Syndrome: “You know, evidence showed that on the Sunday before he committed suicide, he was booking flights to get to the show he was scheduled to appear on in Beaumont, Texas. This shows that there was a moment, however brief, that he thought he could get away with it. I don’t believe in the brain damage theory. He killed 2 people and believed he could go wrestle. The concussion theory doesn’t really stick with me.”
Toffoloni on Chris Benoit only having less than ten months left to live: “Yes, my brother-in-law had concussions, he hit his head for a living and I understand that. But way beyond that, he had a very serious drug and steroid problem. Unfortunately, a lot of athletes still do to this day. It’s spiraling out of control. The medical examiner told us after the autopsy that Chris was on his way to death within 10 months. His heart was huge, about 3 times normal size, and it was ready to blow up at any moment.”
Toffoloni on effects that Eddie Guerrero and other wrestler’s deaths had on the Benoit family: “…Chris had suffered multiple losses of friends. Eddie Guerrero’s death in 2005 shocked us all, no one was prepared for that. It was devastating for Nancy but it was devastating for Chris on a whole other level. Eddie’s passing came after a long line of huge losses and Chris was in a state of perpetual bereavement … The final blow came in mid-June 2007, just a few days before everything happened, when Sherri Martel passed away. That devastated Nancy just as much as Eddie’s death had devastated Chris.”
Toffoloni on Benoit planning to leave WWE following Eddie Guerrero’s death: “After Eddie passed away, Chris and Nancy discussed the possibility of Chris leaving the WWE and starting his own wrestling school. As a matter of fact, it had become more than a possibility. A business plan had been developed and merchandise had been designed. However, the WWE was prepared to give Chris a big push and put him into another championship match so Chris began training harder and pushing his body further. Chris did a lot of self-medicating.”
Check out the complete interview online at The2Count.com.
Spoilers For RAW Tonight, Weird Wyatt Family Plans, RVD’s Future Feuds
