UPDATE x 4: TMZ.com is reporting that prescription pill bottles were found in Joanie’s home but no illegal drugs were found. She reportedly had a script for all the bottles that were found in her home. The site also reports that nobody had heard from her in the past few days and when a friend went to go check up on her, they found her unresponsive in a bedroom of her home. The site reports,
We’ve learned she was in her apartment in Redondo Beach, CA … south of L.A. — and police got the call around 7:30 PM. Our law enforcement sources say she had not been seen or heard from for a few days. A friend went to check on her today and found her unresponsive in the bedroom of her home and made the call to police.
Officers are on scene right now. 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.
Cops say there are no signs of foul play.
UPDATE x 3: WWE.com posting the following regarding the death of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer:
WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.
A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed “The Ninth Wonder of the World” a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Upon hearing the sad news, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following:
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
WWE extends its condolences to Laurer’s family, friends and fans.
UPDATE x 2: Stephanie McMahon tweeted the following regarding the passing of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer:
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 “Chyna” Laurer posted this video to her YouTube.com page on Sunday. This gives you an idea about the shape she was in during what turned out to be her finals days:
UPDATE: TMZ.com posted the following article, saying her death may be the result of an overdose.
WWE legend Chyna — real name Joanie Laurer — has died … and officials are investigating as a possible overdose, TMZ Sports has learned.
TMZ Sports has learned she was in a home in Redondo Beach, CA … south of L.A. — and police got the call around 7:30 PM. Officers are on scene right now. We’re told they are investigating as a possible overdose … due mainly to her history with drugs.
Chyna was 45-years-old.
A statement was posted to Chyna’s official Twitter account confirming the death … saying, “It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero.”
“She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us that loved her.”
Laurer was discovered Wednesday evening according to ProWrestlingSheet.com.
Chyna was a game changer during her stint with the WWE — famously teaming up with Triple H to become one of the original members of D-Generation X. She was also the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble.
Chyna went on to pose for Playboy before transitioning to reality TV. She appeared on “The Surreal Life” in 2005.
Later, Chyna got into porn … releasing 6 films from 2004 to 2013.
She later went to Japan to teach English.
Chyna struggled with addiction for years — and appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” back in 2008.
She posted a video to her YouTube page earlier this week — she looked like she was struggling.
Story developing …
ORIGINAL: Former WWE star Joanie Laurer (aka Chyna) has passed away, according to her management team on Twitter. They posted the following 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. “
#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
