UPDATEDx6: Chyna Passes Away at 45 — More Details On Her Death

UPDATE x6: According to TMZ, there was no suicide note left in Chyna’s Redondo Beach, CA home. Several neighbors told investigators they suspected “overdose” as the cause of death since she’d seemed “under the influence” as of late. According to Wrestling Observer Radio, friends of Chyna’s had been discussing an intervention. Police also stated that it appears Chyna had passed away a “day or two” prior to Wednesday evening. The last contact she had with anyone was on Sunday evening.

UPDATEx5: WWE posted the following on Chyna’s death…

WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away.

WWE extends its condolences to Laurer’s family, friends and fans.

UPDATEx4: TMZ reports that police were called to Joanie “Chyna” Laurer’s house at around 7:30PM PT, adding that law enforcement sources have told them that Laurer had not been seen or heard from for the past few days. A friend of hers went to check on her Wednesday evening, discovered the body, and called police.

They add that police on the scene are treating the case as a possible overdose due to her history with drugs, though no illegal drugs have been found at her home, just prescription drugs. There are no signs of foul play, according to the police.

TMZ also has published a photo of her body being removed from her home.

UPDATEx3: Ryan Satin of ProWrestlingSheet.com reports that Joanie Laurer’s manager has confirmed to him that Laurer was found dead Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles and that sources close to the situation claim Chyna had been on medication for anxiety and sleep deprivation.

UPDATEx2: ABC 7 reporter George Pennachio out of Los Angeles reports that Chyna’s body was found in her bed.

#BreakingNews I can confirm former pro wrestler #Chyna has died at the age of 46. Details still coming in. She was found in her bed.

— George Pennacchio (@abc7george) April 21, 2016

UPDATE: The City of Rendondo Beach Police Department has issued the following statement on the death of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer. The statement confirms that Chyna’s body was found on Wednesday night and that they are currently investigating.

JUST IN: Police in Southern California investigating the death of former pro wrestler Chyna. https://t.co/FzeQ5R2C16 pic.twitter.com/mWc6lBXn1c

— ABC News (@ABC) April 21, 2016

ORIGINAL: Chyna has passed away. The former WWE star’s official Twitter account has issued a statement confirming that she died on Wednesday at the age of forty-five. Variety reports that Chyna — real name Joanie Laurer — was discovered at Redondo Beach house today.

The statement reads, “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.”

#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

Chyna came into WWE during the Attitude Era as a member of D-Generation X. Having trained under Killer Kowalski, she met Shawn Michaels and Triple H after a show in 1996 ands they decided to bring her in as a bodyguard for their stable-to-be. Vince McMahon was initially resistant but eventually agreed to the idea, leading to her debut at In Your House 13: Final Four in February of 1997. Chyna would go on to be an integral part of D-X and when the group split up, she went on a successful solo run that included matches against both men and women. She was the first woman to enter King of the Ring and to be number one contender for the WWF Championship. During her time in the company she held the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice and the WWF Women’s Championship once, and had memorable feuds and angles with Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Jeff Jarrett and many more.

After her personal relationship with Triple H ended and he began dating Stephanie McMahon, she left WWE in 2001. She had brief stints in NJPW in 2002 and TNA in 2011 but mostly stayed out of the business. She had a long-term struggle with addiction issues and had been in the news last year after making several claims against Triple H in regard to domestic abuse. She also had a career as an adult film star, appearing in six films from 2004 to 2013. She living in Japan from 2012 until recently and was teaching English there.

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ms. Laurer.