WWE News: Former Women's Champ 'Chyna' Dead at 45
Police have recently confirmed that Joanie Laurer, who is popularly known as Chyna in the wrestling community, has died at the age of 45.
According to CNN, Redondo Beach, California police confirmed that Chyna was found dead in her apartment on Wednesday. A friend notified the authorities after the former women's champion was found unresponsive.
The New York Times further reports that a friend had been trying to contact Laurer by phone. After days of being out of reach, the said friend decided to drop by her apartment and that was when she was found not breathing. The former wrestler was already dead when authorities arrived.
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Sgt. Shawn Freeman of the police department said, "There are no indications or signs that the death was a result of foul play. Further investigations are being done to determine the cause of death.
A statement on Laurer's website reads: "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."
Laurer was born on December 27, 1969 and obtained a Spanish literature degree from the University of Tampa. She also trained with the Costa Rican Peace Corps and even tried out other jobs such as bartending, sales, and singing.
People notes that Laurer was famously known during her wrestling career for being paired with Triple H. She was also an original member of DX or Degeneration X.
Aside from her famed team-up with Triple H, Chyna became the only undefeated Women's Champ in the history of WWF (World Wrestling Federation) and she has also stepped into the ring to fight against not only big ladies but also men in the industry.
Some of the federation's events that she was featured in include Royal Rumble and King of the Ring.
