Former WWE superstar Chyna was found dead in her apartment in Redondo Beach, California. Her body was located by a friend, who immediately called the police. It was confirmed that she had passed away prior to being found.
Chyna, whose real name is Joan Laurer, debuted on the wrestling scene in 1997. At the time, she was an enforcer for Triple H, and became a member of the D-Generation X. Laurer was the only female wrestler to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship; a title she held twice. She also won the WWF Women’s Championship once, and was the first woman to compete in the Royal Rumble and the King of the Ring.
Laurer retired from the WWF in 2001, though she continued wrestling occasionally for New Japan Pro Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Her post-WWF career also included stints on VH1’s The Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. She also had a successful career in the porn industry, making six films between 2004 and 2011.
A statement released by the Redondo Beach Police contained a few details of her death, but no cause has been divulged. The statement read:
On April 20, 2016, Redondo Beach Police Officers were dispatched to an apartment unit in the 900 block of Esplanade. The Redondo Beach Police received a 9-1-1 call from a friend of the apartment unit resident that the female inside was not breathing. 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. 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.
Laurer’s official Twitter account also released a statement:
It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. 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.
After the news broke, her former colleagues and fans took to Twitter to share tributes, messages of sympathy, and express their condolences.
Someone who wasn't afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016
Happy to have met you, laugh with you and work with you. GOD BLESS. #RIPChyna @ChynaJoanLaurer
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) April 21, 2016
Shocked to hear the news about @ChynaJoanLaurer she was always so kind and such an important woman and pioneer to this business #RIPChyna ❤️
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) April 21, 2016
RIP Chyna Gone far 2 soon, it's just heartbreaking losing so many of the @wwe family-may her fam n friends have peace at this time😢#ripchyna
— ☆ Ashley Massaro ☆ (@ashleymassaro11) April 21, 2016
Today I pray that I cherish the time I have with family and friends. I pray that I let them know how much they mean to me. #OUDK #RIPChyna
— Brian G. James (@BrianRDJames) April 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/JericicosWWE/status/723098972588498944
#RIPChyna sad day for women's wrestling. #9thWonderOfTheWorld
— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) April 21, 2016
Our thoughts are with her friends, family and fans during this incredibly difficult time.
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