Openly Gay Former Pro Wrestler Chris Kanyon Commits Suicide

Chris Kanyon, the former WWE and WCW pro wrestler who was publicly out during part of his career, has committed suicide in his NYC apartment at the age of 40.

Kanyon had overdosed on medication, with early reports indicating he had taken his own life after leaving a pill bottle and several notes close by. The gay star suffered from bipolar disorder and had previously spoken about killing himself. Jason Powell, of prowrestling.net, said: "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." Kanyon was best known for his time in WCW in the late 90s, moving to WWE in the Invasion angle after Ted Turner's company folded. He came out as gay after leaving WWE in 2004 with the idea of using his homosexuality in a wrestling angle, although neither Vince McMahon's company nor rivals TNA would hire him in that role.