Chyna Death – Drug Overdose
Joanie Laurer aka Chyna – dead at 46 from a drug overdose. photo: wwe.com
1969-2016 (age 46)
Joanie Laurer aka Chyna was found dead in her home on April 21, 2016.
Reported by the Redondo Beach police, Joanie’s manager, Anthony Anzaldo grew concerned after not hearing from her for a few days. He entered Laurer’s apartment to find her in bed and not responding.
Police were able to determine Laurer was dead 1-2 days prior to the caller entering the Redondo Beach apartment.
Chyna’s official website notes:
“It is with deep sadness to inform you that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the 9th wonder of the world, has passed away”
TMZ first reported that “prescription bottles were found in the home, but there were no illegal drugs.”
@ChynaJoanLaurer May the peace you were seeking put you at rest my friend. So sorry for not seeing the pain @Mania. We’ve shared so much
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) April 21, 2016
Early Reports, Speculation
Neighbors mentioned Laurer had seemed “under the influence lately” and Pro Wrestling Sheet first hinted at a suicide, noting “people close to her are worried her personal demons got the best of her.”
However, TMZ followed up and disputed the suicide speculation, specifically mentioning the prescription bottles found at the scene:
“Our sources described the number of bottles as 3 or 4… nothing out of the ordinary.” Reportedly, the bottles were not emptied.
Joanie Laurer, early in her career.
Chyna Cause of Death
It was learned on December 23, 2016 that Chyna’s death was in fact caused by a drug overdose, though not ruled intentional.
Specifically Chyna died from a mix of alcohol and prescription medications.
Her autopsy notes findings of multiple pain killers, as well as medication for anxiety, muscle relaxation, and a sleeping medication. Specifically, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Valium, Nordiazepam, and Temazepam. This was all in combination with alcohol.
A Sad History of Drug Abuse
It wasn’t uncommon to hear about Joanie’s heavy drug use from Sean Waltman and Triple H, her former cohorts in D-Generation X, and former partners outside the ring as well.
In a video Chyna posted to her YouTube account just four days prior to her death, she did not look well:
Toward the end of her WWE career, Chyna appeared in the November 2000 issue of Playboy.
In 2001, her autobiography “If They Only Knew” reached the New York Times bestseller list.
Chyna in Adult Film industry, Reality TV
In 2002, Chyna briefly wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Here’s a photo from her Japan tenure, posted from her official Twitter account just 3 days prior to her death.
After her departure from the WWE in 2001, Chyna briefly wrestled in Japan, before moving to reality TV and the adult film industry.
Laurer was in six adult films from 2004 through 2013, which is largely why she has been shunned from the WWE Hall of Fame. In 2012 she collapsed at a porn convention in Miami – more signs of her health deteriorating.
Chyna appeared in reality TV show The Surreal Life in 2005.
In 2008, she appeared on Celebrity Rehab – making her struggles with addiction more public than ever.
Chyna’s Legacy in Women’s Wrestling
Sadly, Chyna’s death is likely the kick in the ass the WWE will need to finally induct her into her rightful spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.
Chyna regularly competed against men, breaking the stereotype of women primarily being used as little more than eye candy to the male dominated audience. photo: wwe.com
Chyna was a key figure in the beloved “Attitude Era” – the edgy late 90s WWE. She was a WWE employee from 1997-2001, and would later have a short stint with TNA in 2011.
She became the first woman to ever hold the WWE Intercontinental Championship and was the first woman to compete in both the King of the Ring and Royal Rumble.
Chyna regularly competed against men, breaking the stereotype of women primarily being used as little more than eye candy to the male dominated audience – an especially difficult accomplishment during the Attitude Era.
Someone who wasn’t afraid to blaze her own trail & create a path for those who would follow. A pioneer whose star shined bright. #RIPChyna
— Triple H (@TripleH) April 21, 2016
Chyna Death and CTE
Neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu is said to be examining Chyna’s brain. Born in Nigeria, Omalu was portrayed by Will Smith in the 2015 film Concussion.
An undated photo posted from Chyna’s official Twitter account
In the mid 2000s, Omalu brought mainstream attention to the connection between chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the NFL. CTE was previously only believed to affect boxers. After his suicide in 2007, Omalu examined Chris Benoit‘s brain and concluded that the disease exists among professional wrestlers.
Despite the pending examination, Chyna’s former manager, Anthony Anzaldo, says that he doesn’t believe CTE was a factor in Chyna’s health or post-wrestling struggles.
Wrestlers Dying Young
Sadly, wrestlers dying young is nothing new. Chyna joins the ranks of several others notables including Umaga, Mr. Perfect and Rick Rude – all dead before age 50.
Our condolences go out to Joanie’s loved ones.
Reactions to Chyna’s death from around the wrestling world
Chyna’s Raw debut (Raw, 2/17/97)
Chyna wins the Intercontinental Championship (No Mercy 1999)
