Former WWE wrestling star Chyna’s death was reported as a possible overdose to the Los Angeles County coroner’s department, assistant chief coroner Ed Winter told USA Today Sports on Thursday, April 21. The late star (born Joan Marie Laurer) was found dead inside her Redondo Beach, California, home on Wednesday, April 20. She was 46.
“Officers arrived on scene and discovered a deceased female inside the location,” Redondo Beach police Sgt. Shawn Freeman said in a news release Thursday. “There are no indications or signs that the death was a result of foul play. From the preliminary investigation, it appears that the deceased passed away prior to being discovered by the friend.”
Chyna’s friends and family hadn’t heard from her for days, the release also noted.
Winter confirmed to USA Today that an autopsy is expected to be conducted over the next two days. The toxicology tests are expected to take weeks to complete, and cause of death will not be finalized until then.
According to Freeman, events leading up to Chyna’s death are also being investigated by the Redondo Beach Police Department “to determine if the death was natural or accidental.”
Chyna was featured on VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2008 and publicly battled substance abuse problems.
