New Delhi: Former WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler Chyna was found dead at an apartment in Redondo Beach, California.

45-year-old Chyna whose real name is Joan Laurer was reportedly found by her friend who immediately alerted the police.

"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 statement read on her Twitter timeline.


A Redondo Beach Police statement said there are no indications or signs that the death was a result of foul play.

 FILE - In this July 14, 1999 file photo, Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is adorned with his signature feather boa and glitter sunglasses by professional wrestler Chyna, during a World Wrestling Federation press conference at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Chyna, the WWE star who became one of the best known and most popular female professional wrestlers in history in the late 1990s, has died at age 45. Los Angeles County coroner’s Lt. Larry Dietz says Chyna, whose real name is Joan Marie Laurer, was found dead in Redondo Beach on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)

“On April 20, 2016, Redondo Beach Police Officers were dispatched to an apartment unit in the 900 block of Esplanade. The Redondo Beach Police received a 9-1-1 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.

 FILE PIC: AFP

“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, 46 year[s] of age [she was actually 45]. Joan Laurer 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 Lauer is under investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department to assists in the determination if the death was natural or accidental. Further details of the death investigation are not being released at this time.”

WWE also released a statement saying it is "saddened to learn of reports that Joanie Laurer, best known for competing in WWE as Chyna, has passed away."

"A physically striking and talented performer, Chyna was a true sports-entertainment pioneer. Not only was the Superstar dubbed "The Ninth Wonder of the World" a founding member of the groundbreaking faction D-Generation X, but she also holds the distinction of being the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble Match and the first and only woman to win the Intercontinental Championship," the statement added.

Brand officer Stephanie McMahon of the famous wrestling league WWE paid tribute to Chyna on Twitter saying “she will be missed”

“I just heard the tragic news that @ChynaJoanLaurer has passed. She was truly a pioneer in our industry, and she will be missed. #RIPChyna.”


Chyna made her WWF (World Wrestling Federation) debut in 1997. In June 1999, she became the first woman to qualify for the King of the Ring tournament. She was also the first woman to be the number one contender for the WWF Championship, but lost the spot to Mankind before Summer Slam in August.

Chyna made her porn debut in 2004 and had a couple of videos released to her name.