Iconic pro-wrestling champion and WWE wrestler Chyna was found dead in her California apartment earlier this week, according to the Redondo Beach police department.
A friend went to check on the 46-year-old after she failed to answer phone calls for several days. Chyna, whose name as Joan Marie Laurer, was dead when police arrived at the apartment.
"From the preliminary investigation, it appears that the deceased passed away prior to being discovered by the friend," the police department said.
Police said there were no signs of "foul play," but an investigation into the events leading up to Chyna's death are ongoing, according to the statement.
Laurer’s death was reported to the Los Angeles County coroner’s department as a possible overdose, department spokesperson Ed Winter told USA TODAY Sports.
An autopsy is expected to be conducted over the next two days, Winter said. The full results – including the cause of death – will not be finalized until the toxicology tests are complete, which could take weeks.
The cause of death is also under investigation by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s department.
While Chyna rose to fame for stints with the WWE, she showed a softer side on VH1's The Surreal Life and gave viewers a glimpse of her long-time struggle with addiction on Celebrity Rehab in 2008.
Chyna, who was called the "the ninth wonder of the world," was born in Rochester, N.Y. She became the first woman to take part in the King of the Ring and went on to write a best-selling book and appear in Playboy. She parted ways with WWE in 2001, and several years later appeared in several adult films.
On Twitter, the hashtag #RIPChyna was used by fans and friends who shared their shock over the Laurer’s passing.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Joanie "Chyna" Laurer #RIPChyna," the WWE tweeted early Wednesday morning.On Twitter, the hashtag #RIPChyna was used by fans and friends who shared their shock over the Laurer’s passing.
Many called her the "greatest female wrestler" of all time.
Others remembered her gentle nature.
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Contributing : A.J. Perez
