GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – Joanie Laurer, otherwise known as Chyna in World Wrestling Entertainment, passed away at the age of 45.
Redondo Beach Police Officers were dispatched to Laurer’s apartment on the 900 block of Esplanade. Officers responded a 9-1-1 call from a friend of Chyna’s saying she was inside not breathing.
When officers arrived, they found the former-WWE Woman’s champion deceased.
The cause of death is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s department. Events leading up to Laurer’s death is under investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department.
Chyna was a pioneer for female wrestlers in the WWE. Various wrestlers, past and present, have responded to Chyna’s unfortunate passing.
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
Another influential figure gone far, far too soon. Went through ups and downs but indelibly changed our business forever. #RIPChyna
– Aiden English (@WWEDramaKing) April 21, 2016
Wow waking up to the sad news @ChynaJoanLaurer passing. A big role she played in womens wrestling & growing up watching her.So sad #RIPChyna
– Summer Rae (@RealSummerWWE) April 21, 2016
Shattered glass ceilings, kicked down doors, broke gender barriers, she was an anomaly & untouchable. Rest now-ur legacy lives on #RIPChyna
– Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) April 21, 2016
