WWE wrestling legend Joanie ‘Chyna’ Laurer was found dead in her southern California home on Wednesday night, aged 45.
A statement posted on her Twitter account informed the public of Chyna’s death. “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero,” the statement read.
“Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world has passed away. She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
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TMZ reports that Chyna may have died from a possible drug overdose, as LAPD have launched an investigation:
We’re told they are investigating as a possible overdose, due mainly to her history with drugs. Prescription bottles were found in the home, but there were no illegal drugs … according to our sources.
Mirror.co.uk reports:
Anthony Anzaldo, her manager, said she was found in the afternoon and that no cause of death had been determined, though TMZ reports that she died from a possible overdose and police are investigating.
#RipChyna 😢😢😢 all of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix pic.twitter.com/jOfbHUAI2j
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
“The Redondo Beach Police received a 911 call from a friend of the apartment unit resident that the female inside was not breathing,” a statement from Redondo Beach police said.
“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. Officers arrived on scene and discovered a deceased female inside the location.”
She first rose to fame in WWF in 1997 and was soon billed as the Ninth Wonder of The World.
Chyna was the first woman to take part in the Royal Rumble and King of Ring Events and became the number one contender to the WWF Championship.
Outside of the wrestling ring, she posed for Playboy and made several appearances on reality TV shows, including VH1’s The Surreal Life.
The star struggled with addiction for years and appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew in 2008.
Between 2004 and 2014 she also released six porn films.
In 2010 she moved to Japan to teach English.
Speaking to Vice last year, Chyna shared: “There’s a misconception out there in the media that I’ve become this monster. In the meantime, I’m just trying to get a job and live my life.”
Sean Adl-Tabatabai
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