Former pro wrestling star Joanie “Chyna” Laurer was found dead in her home along the Esplanade, according to Redondo Beach Police. She was 45 years old.
On Wednesday, April 20, police were dispatched to an apartment along the 900 block of the Esplanade following a 911 call made by a friend of the occupant, later determined to be Laurer. The friend had gone to check on Laurer after not hearing from her “for a few days,” and discovered that she was not breathing.
Upon arrival, police found Laurer deceased in the unit. Officers found no signs that her death was a result of foul play, and have preliminarily determined that she died before being found by the friend.
Laurer came to prominence during her tenure with the World Wrestling Federation in the 1990s, becoming a multiple-time champion within the promotion. In recent years, Laurer made appearances in movies, adult films and was seen on reality television shows.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office is investigating the time and cause of Laurer’s death, while RBPD is investigating to help determine whether her death was natural or accidental.
