Former WCW and WWE tag team champion Chris Kanyon has died after what authorities are calling a suicide.
The 40-year-old wrestler’s body was found April 3 inside his New York apartment after apparently overdosing on medications. Early reports say he had taken his own life after leaving a pill bottle and several notes close by.
Kanyon, who’s real name was Christopher Klucsaritis, came out shortly after retiring in 2004. Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net said that Kanyon had battled severe depression issues over the years and had talked about killing himself before. Doctors had also diagnosed him with bipolar disorder.
“He told one friend as recently as Monday (March 29) that he was having problems and was contemplating suicide,” Powell said.
Kanyon was best known for his time in WCW in the late 1990s, moving to WWE after Ted Turner’s company folded.
“It was very sad to hear about Chris’ death,” said TNA Wrestling publicist Ross Forman. “I worked with Chris for years at WCW and, more than that, Chris was a friend. He was a champion in the ring who had great matches with many. Chris will be deeply missed.”
