From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Kathy Jeffcoats :
Former pro wrestler Chris Benoit had elevated levels of testosterone in his system when he died last month, indicating he had recently injected the hormone, a GBI toxicological report released Tuesday shows.
In addition, the report said, Benoit, his wife and their young son all had traces of Xanax, a common tranquilizer, in their blood. Officials said the boy was sedated before Benoit killed him.
Benoit and his wife, Nancy, also had traces of hydrocodone, a narcotic pain medication, the report said.
The toxicological report found an extremely elevated testosterone to epitestosterone ratio in Benoit’s system, indicating injection of the hormone. The report showed Benoit had a testosterone level of 207 micrograms per liter and an epitestosterone level of 3.5 mcg/L, for a testosterone to epitestosterone ratio of 59:1. Most people have a 1:1 T/E ratio. Ratios of 4:1 are not uncommon and ratios of 10:1 can be normal for some people.
“This level of testosterone indicates that he had been using testosterone at least within some reasonably short period of time prior to the time that he died, depending on how it was injected, the form that it was used,” said Dr. Kris Sperry, Georgia’s top medical examiner. “The level was elevated.”
The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer — who points out that none of the above findings bring us to any further conclusion, let alone any insights into Benoit’s state of mind, offers further details from the Georgia CME’s press conference.
Benoit was found with the drugs testosterone cypionate, Xanax and Hydrocodone in his system at the time of his death. The Hydrocodone was not at an elevated level to the point there was indication of using it in above theraputic dosages. The level of testosterone cypianote was such that he would have failed any sports drug test, although he was prescribed the steroids by Dr. Phil Astin due his body producing a low level of testosterone, likely from his decades of steroid usage. It is virtually impossible to detect Growth Hormone usage in such tests. There was no evidence of any other steroids in his system. Although there was an empty bottle of wine in the weight room, he did not have elevated alcohol levels detected.
Sperry noted that due to decomposition, by the time authorities found the bodies, it was enough to hurt in rendering findings from the test.
Nancy Benoit also had Xanax, Hydrocodone and Hydromporphone in her body, all at theraputic levels, noting she was recovering from major surgery.
Daniel Benoit had Xanax in his system, which police believe was administered by Chris to put him to sleep before killing him. There was no evidence of what substances may have been injected into his arm from the needle marks evident.