Chyna's Death Was From Accidental Overdose of Medication: Manager

Joanie Laurer, the former pro wrestler known as Chyna, flexes her
 biceps as she arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards
 in Los Angeles in 2003. Kevork Djansezian / AP — file

by Phil Helsel and Andrew Rudansky

Chyna's manager said Wednesday he believes the pioneer wrestling star died of an accidental overdose of Ambien and Valium.

"She accidentally and unintentionally misused her legally prescribed medication over the course of 2-3 weeks. It's an epidemic," manager Anthony Anzaldo said in an email.

Chyna, born Joanie Laurer, was billed by the WWE as the "Ninth Wonder of the World" during her wrestling career. The Los Angeles Times first reported the manager's comments.

Chyna died last week at age 46 in her Redondo Beach, California, home.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has not yet ruled on a cause of death. It said a ruling is deferred pending additional investigation.

Coroner's office Assistant Chief Ed Winter said full test results aren't expected back for the next couple of months. "It is not closed," Winter said of the case.

"It's premature to give a cause of death on a case that the final tests are not in yet," Winter said.
Anzaldo said Chyna died after falling asleep April 17 and that he found her at 3:30 p.m. April 20 after being unable to contact her.

"She fell asleep on Sunday night and peacefully took her last breath," Anzaldo said. He said there were no alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal, at the scene.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has not yet ruled on a cause of death. It said a ruling is deferred pending additional investigation.

Laurer was a female pioneer in the male-dominated sport of professional wrestling during the mid- to late-1990s, becoming the first woman to compete in the WWF Royal Rumble. She was also the first woman to become an Intercontinental Champion in 1999 and again in 2000.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan called her a "beautiful soul." Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer for WWE, hailed her as a "pioneer."

The wrestler-turned-reality TV star and, later, adult film actress found fitness as an escape from a difficult childhood, according to the bio on her official website.