“Events leading up to the death of Joan Laurer is under investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department to assist in the determination if the death was natural or accidental”, Freeman said.
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Joanie Laurer, more commonly known as former WWE star Chyna, passed away Wednesday at the age of 45. “She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her”, a message on her website said. It’s been reported that her close friend went to Chyna’s apartment and found her unresponsive. She teamed up with Shawn Michaels and Triple H to become one of the original members of D-Generation X. The group ended up being one of the most influential factions in WWE history, and as the only female, Chyna played an integral role. She posed for Playboy magazine and appeared in adult films and on reality TV, including the shows “The Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”.
Considered as one of the most popular wrestler to be associated with WWE, Laurer first rose to prominence in the professional wrestling promotion the World Wrestling Federation in 1997, where she performed under the ring name Chyna.
Speaking to Vice past year, Chyna shared: “There’s a misconception out there in the media that I’ve become this monster”. After failing to claim the title from Jarrett during their championship match at Unforgiven, Lauer surprised the WWE Universe at No Mercy when she defeated Jarrett to become the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Over the next few years, Chyna would further set her self apart from the majority of female wrestlers by competing with the men.
A year later, Chyna made her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling. She was found dead by police after the manager of her apartment building placed a call at around 3:25pm, according to the LA Times. Laurer was “someone who wasn’t afraid to blaze her own trail and create a path for those who would follow”, wrestler Triple H said on Twitter. Chyna even had a little Latino Heat, as her and Eddie Guerrero had an onscreen angle together. Reportedly, the late WWE star was prescribed various medications prior to her untimely death, reports E!
Stephanie McMahon, the chief brand officer of the WWE, also tweeted about Chyna’s death, describing her as a “pioneer in our industry”.
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The world of wrestling is once again in mourning today, as reports are circulating that former WWF wrestler Chyna has been found dead at her home in Redondo Beach, CA.
