October 15, 2001 Observer Newsletter: Death of Gentleman Chris Adams

“Gentleman” Chris Adams, who in his heyday played the role of a Hugh Grant-like British charmer, but his real life was hardly as gentlemanly, was shot to death by his best friend in Waxahachie, TX, near Dallas.

Adams, 46, becomes the latest in what used to be known as the Von Erich curse, but later has expanded to the glory days of World Class Championship Wrestling, a promotion which in the mid-80s focused on young talent, mostly in its early and mid-20s. Through the best television production and a great mixture of babyfaces and heels that appealed to younger fans, it was one of the hottest and most innovative eras in pro wrestling.

William Parnell, 49, a long-time wrestling hanger-on known as “Brent” and “Boo Ray” by those in the business, was charged with Adams’ murder, which took place at about 1 a.m. on 10/7 at his mother’s home, not far from Dallas.

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