Chyna's Death Reported to Coroner as Possible OD

But cause of death could take weeks to determine
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 22, 2016 10:42 AM CDT
Chyna’s Death Reported to Coroner as Possible OD
In this Nov. 16, 2003, file photo, Joanie Laurer, former pro wrestler known as Chyna, flexes her bicep as she arrives at the 31st annual American Music Awards, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

Chyna's sudden death at age 46 was reported to the Los Angeles County coroner's office as a possible overdose, a spokesperson for the department tells USA Today. No further details of the former WWE wrestler's cause of death were given, but an autopsy was being done this week. The official cause could take weeks to finalize as toxicology tests are also done. In a press release, police said Chyna hadn't answered her phone for days before being found dead in her California apartment Wednesday. As Us Weekly notes, Chyna had publicly struggled with substance abuse in the past.

The Independent reports that police found unopened prescription pills at the scene, but no illegal drugs. E! reports that Chyna had been taking sleeping pills and anxiety meds prior to her death, but they had been legally prescribed by a doctor, her manager says. (More Chyna stories.)

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