Chris Kanyon goes over the edge: Former WWE and WCW wrestler found dead at age 40

from Jason Powell at www.prowrestling.net:

Chris Kanyon (a/k/a Christopher Klucsaritis) was found dead of an apparent suicide on Friday night. Although details are still sketchy, it is believed that he was in New York at the time of his death. A longtime friend reports that a pill bottle and several notes were found close to the body.

Kanyon also worked as the Mortis character in WCW and also had a run with WWE starting with the Invasion angle. He made headlines after his WWE run concluded by going public with his homosexuality. He appeared on the Howard Stern radio show several times as a result of his admission. Although he retired from wresting at one point, he had returned to the ring again recently and worked a couple of matches this year.

Jason Powell’s POV: Kanyon has battled severe depression issues over the years. He told one friend as recently as Monday that he was having problems and was contemplating suicide. The friend is said to have contacted one of Kanyon’s family members to express his concern despite the fact that he and several of Kanyon’s friends have heard similar statements over the years. One friend said this morning that he’s expected this type of news for years, yet it was still surprising and clearly painful for this person. My deepest sympathies go out to Kanyon’s friends and family.