Chyna, the former WWE wrestler and reality TV star, was found dead in her Redondo Beach home on Wednesday. She was 46.
Laurer’s team confirmed the news in a written statement shared on her website and Twitter on Wednesday.
Chyna, whose real name is Joanie Laurer, last appeared in an odd YouTube video posted Sunday morning.
Her Facebook announced the news late Wednesday.
“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,” the post read.
According to local police, the wrestling personality was found unresponsive in bed after not answering her friend’s calls for a few days.
“There are no indications or signs that her death was the result of foul play,” police said.
During her wrestling career, Laurer famously partnered with wrestler Triple H, becoming an original member of Degeneration X. After her time as a wrestler Chyna appeared in several TV shows over the last two decades, including VH1’s “Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab.” She also guest starred on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “The Nick Cannon Show.”
A larger-than-life figure, the wrestler and actress later posed for Playboy magazine before starring in several adult films, including “She-Hulk XXX.”
She later moved to Japan to teach English.
“There’s a misconception out there in the media that I’ve become this monster,” she told Vice last year. “In the meantime, I’m just trying to get a job and live my life.”
As news of her death spread, fans and celebrities alike quickly took to Twitter to share their reactions and condolences.
#RipChynaall of us on team Chyna love you and will love you forever babe.
Felix pic.twitter.com/jOfbHUAI2j
— Chyna (@ChynaJoanLaurer) April 21, 2016
Chyna. Rest in peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) April 21, 2016
I had been in contact recently with @ChynaJoanLaurer to guest on The Ross Report.
Unfortunately now that will never happen.
RIP Joanie
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 21, 2016
Someone who didn’t get enough credit for what she did for women in wrestling. Sadly she will get that recognition now. RIP Chyna.
— The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) April 21, 2016
The epitome of the word pioneer. Godspeed my fellow Kowalski alum Chyna. You reinvented what a female wrestler is. May you be at peace.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) April 21, 2016
Life can be hard and incredibly cruel, to all of us, none are exempt. But it can also be beautiful. Hug your loved ones tight. …
— Gregory Shane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) April 21, 2016
Tell them that you love them, let them know. In the end, that will be ALL that truly matters.
— Gregory Shane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) April 21, 2016
“Chyna. Rest in peace,” actress Alyssa Milano tweeted.
Pro wrestler Gregory Helms tweeted his reaction to Laurer’s death, offering up a series of thoughtful messages.
“All I can say is that Chyna was always incredibly kind to me. I never forgot that. Life can be rough even to the strongest among us,” he wrote. “Death always has a way of putting things into perspective. And that perspective, it seems, can be hard to swallow.”
Source; People
