Chyna Died of Accidental Overdose, Manager Says
Chyna’s manager believes the former WWE superstar died of an accidental overdose from the combination 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 told NBC News in an email on Wednesday.
Chyna died last week at age 46 in her Redondo Beach, Calif., home.
Anzaldo said there were no alcohol or drugs at the scene when he found the wrestler’s body on April 20. Anzaldo thinks Chyna died between April 17 — the last day he heard from her — and April 18.
“She fell asleep on Sunday night and peacefully took her last breath,” Anzaldo said.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner is still investigating the time and cause of death.
Anzaldo told the Los Angeles Times that Chyna’s brain will be examined by forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu, who was the subject of the Will Smith drama “Concussion.” Omalu, who initially discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football player and boxers, also recently found the disease in wrestlers.
Chyna, whose real name is Joanie Laurer, appeared in several TV shows over the last two decades, including VH1’s “Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab.” She also guest starred on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “The Nick Cannon Show.”
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