Chris Von Erich Death – Suicide
Chris Von Erich, the youngest of the wrestling Von Erich brothers, dead from a self inflicted gun shot wound at age 21. photo: espn.com
1969-1991 (age 21)
Chris Von Erich, part of the infamous Von Erich wrestling family, committed suicide on September 12th, 1991 from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Growing up smaller than his wrestling brothers, it’s often discussed that Chris was envious of his family’s wrestling roots. Chris Von Erich had a strong desire to be a professional wrestler, yet primarily found himself working behind the scenes.
His health issues also played a role in his limited in-ring work.
Chris Von Erich with Percy Pringle. Percy would go on to become Paul Bearer with the WWE. photo: espn.com
Wrestling Career, Depression
Still, by the late 80 Chris managed to see some time in the ring, notably feuding with Percy Pringle (Paul Bearer) in the USWA promotion.
Both an underdog, and a Von Erich, Chris was able to successfully get the crowds behind him despite his limitations. Teaming up with white-hot Chris Adams certainly didn’t hurt his cause.
Sadly though, it wasn’t enough. Chris Von Erich was never content. He grew especially depressed after the death of his brothers, David and Mike Von Erich, both of whom had passed away in the years prior – Mike by suicide.
The Von Erich Curse
Like his brother Mike before him, Chris Von Erich turned to suicide on September 12, 1991. He shot himself in the head.
[adinserter block=”1″]In what’s noted as the “Von Erich Curse” in wrestling circles, Kerry Von Erich would also go on to commit suicide in 1993.
Kevin Von Erich remains the only surviving brother.
Chris Von Erich’s grave at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, TX. photo: Susan Parker
Chris Von Erich Grave
Chris Von Erich’s grave is located at Grove Hill Memorial Park in Dallas, TX. His plot is located at the Hilltop Section, Lot 535.
Have a comment about Chris Von Erich? Sound off in the comments section below.
photo: espn.com
photo: espn.com
Does anyone know which Von Erich killed himself at Proctor Lake? We were camping there when it happened and we were wrasslin’ fans so it blew our minds that a Von Erich was camped fairly close to us and we heard the gun go off. Trouble is, I can’t remember the year it happened as we went there so often but it was in the 80’s.
Hmm, I think you may be referring to Mike Von Erich? He didn’t shoot himself though, he overdosed on Placidyl… and according to reports it was near “Lewisville Lake”. This was 1987. David died while working in Japan in ’84. Chris shot himself in September ’91 and Kerry shot himself in February ’93 on his father’s ranch.
Can’t even imagine how much pressure was on him to succeed. The Von Erich story should be made into a movie. Surprised no one has done so.
Same here – it has the stuff of Hollywood written all over it.