Chyna, whose real name was Joan Marie Laurer, left an indelible mark in the world of professional wrestling and entertainment. She was a multifaceted talent, making her name as a professional wrestler, bodybuilder, actress, author, fitness model, adult actress, and television personality.
However, her life took a tragic turn, and on April 17, 2016, she passed away at the age of 46. In this article, we delve into the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise and seek to understand the question: How did Chyna die?
Chyna Rise to Stardom
Chyna’s journey to fame began in 1997 when she entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). In the male-dominated world of wrestling, she became known as “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” an homage to the legendary André the Giant.
Chyna was a founding member of the iconic D-Generation X stable, breaking barriers as the promotion’s first female enforcer. Her incredible athleticism and strength led her to hold the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice and the WWF Women’s Championship once, making her the only female performer to achieve these feats.
Chyna’s impact went beyond championships. She made history as the first woman to participate in the Royal Rumble match and the King of the Ring tournament. Additionally, she earned the distinction of becoming the number one contender to the WWF Championship, cementing her status as a true pioneer in women’s wrestling. Chyna’s victories over prominent male wrestlers, including Triple H, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Jeff Jarrett, solidified her legacy as the most dominant female competitor of her time.
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Chyna’s Life Beyond Wrestling
Chyna’s fame extended beyond the wrestling ring. She graced the pages of Playboy magazine twice, solidifying her status as a s*x symbol. Her foray into reality television began with VH1’s “The Surreal Life” in 2005, paving the way for more appearances, including “The Surreal Life: Fame Games” in 2007 and “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” in 2008. Her tumultuous relationship with fellow wrestler Sean Waltman led to the release of the commercially successful s*x tape “1 Night in China.”
In 2019, Chyna’s legacy was celebrated as she was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of D-Generation X. This historic achievement made her the first woman to be inducted as part of a group or team, highlighting the lasting impact she had on the wrestling world.
Chyna’s Mysterious Passing
On April 20, 2016, a shockwave reverberated through the wrestling community as Chyna was found dead at her home in Redondo Beach, California. Her manager, Anthony Anzaldo, grew concerned when Chyna ceased her regular social media updates. He tragically discovered her lifeless body in her apartment. Initial police reports suggested that her death may have resulted from an accidental drug overdose or natural causes.
Anzaldo insisted that any overdose was unintentional, emphasizing that Chyna was prescribed medication but often misused it. Her brain was donated to science for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition prevalent in athletes due to head trauma. However, the state of her brain at the time made it impossible to definitively determine whether she had CTE.
A memorial service was held in Los Angeles on June 22, 2016, where friends, colleagues, and fans gathered to pay their respects. Notable attendees included wrestlers like Melina Perez, Rob Van Dam, Sean Waltman, and others. The service also saw actors, such as C. Thomas Howell and Barry Williams, and singers Coolio and Baby Bash, who performed during the event. Chyna’s ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean, marking the end of a remarkable life.
In December 2016, an autopsy report shed light on the circumstances surrounding Chyna’s tragic demise. The report revealed that she passed away due to an overdose of alcohol, combined with anxiety drugs diazepam and nordazepam, painkillers oxycodone and oxymorphone, and the sleeping aid temazepam.
