World Wrestling Entertainment legend Chyna, born Joanie Laurer, has passed away at age 45, E! News has learned.
An official statement was released on her Twitter account that read: “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.”
Chyna’s manager told E! News that “she was found peacefully in her home in Redondo Beach this afternoon.”
As of now, the cause of her death is unknown.
Famous sport fans
Chyna rose to fame in the professional world of wrestling back in 1997 where she was famously dubbed the Ninth Wonder of the World in the World Wrestling Foundation.
She went on to appear in Playboy, star in VH1’s The Surreal Life as well as several other famous reality shows.
Chyna won the WWF Intercontinental Championship title from the World Wrestling Federation two times, and the WWF Women’s Championship once.
Stephanie McMahon took to Twitter to react to the tragic news, writing, “She was truly a pioneer in our industry and she will be missed #RIPChyna.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family during this difficult time.
—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua
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