Former pro wrestler Chyna dead at 46

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — Former pro wrestler Joanie "Chyna" Laurer has died, KTLA reports.

The news was posted on the former WWE star's official Facebook and Twitter pages early Thursday.

"It is with deep sadness to inform you today that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero," the post reads. "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 found dead Wednesday at her home in Redondo Beach, California, KABC reports. There were no signs of foul play, and the death is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Department, Redondo Beach police said in a statement. Laurer's manager told KABC that she took medication for anxiety and sleep deprivation, but he didn't know if that contributed to her death.

According to ABC News, Laurer made her World Wrestling Federation (WWF) – now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) – debut in 1997 and left in 2001.

"Not only was the superstar dubbed 'The Ninth Wonder of the World' (and) 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 WWE said in a post on its website.

Laurer, who was featured twice in Playboy magazine, also appeared in adult films and reality TV shows, including "The Surreal Life: Fame Games" and "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."

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Editor's note: A previous version of this story reported her age at death as 45. While there appears to be disagreement about her age, the LATimes and other national media say she was 46 at the time of her death. 

Cox Media Group