Former WWE star Chyna found dead in her California home
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Former WWE star Chyna, 46, was found dead in her California apartment on Wednesday, authorities told the Associated Press.
A friend of Chyna’s called 911 after the former wrestler, whose real name is Joan Marie Laurer, did not answer her phone for several days. The friend discovered Laurer unconscious in her home and told the 911 operator she was not breathing.
Laurer was pronounced dead when the officers arrived at the home, police said, but a cause of death has not been released.
A number of WWE personnel reacted to Laurer’s death on Twitter.
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
I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 21, 2016
Joanie, I'm so sorry. I will always treasure our friendship and will never forget your kindness to my children. RIP https://t.co/pVV0KjbkFt
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 21, 2016
I had been in contact recently with @ChynaJoanLaurer to guest on The Ross Report.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
Unfortunately now that will never happen.
RIP Joanie 🙏
@ChynaJoanLaurer May the peace you were seeking put you at rest my friend. So sorry for not seeing the pain @Mania. We've shared so much
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) April 21, 2016
Laurer, who was once the WWE women’s champion, developed a reputation for herself as the “Ninth Wonder of the World” throughout her successful wrestling career. She left WWE in 2001 and appeared on several reality TV shows and in adult films.
