Former WWE wrestling star Chyna has been found dead at her Redondo Beach, California, home. She was 46 years old, according to her manager.
Her death was confirmed via her Twitter page late on Wednesday, April 20, with the message: “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
Redondo Beach police officer Lt. Todd Heywood told the Los Angeles Times they received a call from her manager, Anthony Anzaldo, and the apartment building manager around 3:25 p.m. When officers arrived, they found her dead on her bed.
Police are investigating but say there were no obvious signs of foul play.
“The Redondo Beach Police received a 911 call from a friend of the apartment unit resident that the female inside was not breathing,” the police department said in a statement. “The friend told Redondo Beach Police that the female had not answered her phone in a few days, and went to the location to check on her welfare.”
Chyna, real name Joan Marie Laurer, was a massive name in World Wrestling Entertainment in the ’90s. She was a member of the D-Generation X wrestling squad, and was the Women’s Champion until she was released by WWE in 2001.
After leaving the WWE in 2001, Chyna posed for Playboy and appeared in adult films and on reality TV, including the shows The Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew.
Most recently, she was working as an English teacher in Japan, and had become a vegan.
She joins a long list of WWE stars who have died young, including Rick Rude, Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig, the Ultimate Warrior and Owen Hart.
