Chyna, Former WWE Wrestler, Found Dead in Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA - Former professional wrestler and actress Joan Laurer, who goes by the stage name of Chyna, was found dead Wednesday at her home in Redondo Beach.

At around 3:25 p.m., the Redondo Beach Police Department received a call from Laurer's friend reporting that she was not breathing inside her apartment in the 900 block of Esplanade.

From the preliminary investigation, police said it appeared Laurer had been dead prior to being discovered by the friend.

• MORE COVERAGE: Chyna Dead: WWE's 'Ninth Wonder of the World'

Police said the friend became concerned when Laurer did not answer her phone for several days and went to check on her friend.

"There are no indications or signs that the death was a result of foul play," Sgt. Shawn Freeman said.

From 1997 to 2001, Laurer rose to fame as Chyna on World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment. She was nicknamed the "Ninth Wonder of the World" (Andre the Giant was the Eighth).

Laurer was 45 years old.

The exact cause and nature of her death is being investigated by the County Coroner's office, Freeman said. The RBPD is also investigating the events leading up to her death to determine whether the death was natural or accidental, he said.