Joanie Laurer aka Chyna found dead in bed at her home, and the local police state they will launch an investigation.
Former Intercontinental and Womens Champion Joanie Laurer, better known as Chyna, was found dead in her home Wednesday afternoon, police said.
“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,” a post on her Facebook page stated.
Officers were called to Laurer’s apartment in the 900 block of Esplanade around 3:35 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from a friend who said the former wrestler was not breathing.
She was a pioneer of women in the male dominated profession of pro wrestling in the mid to late 90s, being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble match in 1999 and later that year, became the first and so far only female to capture the WWE Intercontinental title.
Local police say an investigation is being launched into her death, but foul play isn’t suspected. The statement from the police reads:
On April 20, 2016 Redondo Beach Police Officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 900 block of Esplanade. The Redondo Beach Police received a 911 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. The deceased female has been identified as Joan Lauer, 45 years of age. Joan Lauer was also known as ‘Chyna’ and was a professional wrestler and entertainer. The exact nature and cause of the death, as well as the general time of death is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s department.
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. Further details of the death investigation are not being released at this time.
Our condolences go out to the fans, friends and family of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer.
Follow us on Twitter: @TWMNewsUK
Like us on Facebook: FB/TWMNewsUK
Use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to follow TWM News on Apple News
