Former WWE star Ashley Massaro dead at 39
(WFLA) — The pro wrestling community is mourning the loss of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro, who died at a New York hospital Thursday morning, TMZ reported.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro,” the WWE said in a statement. “She performed in WWE from 2005-2008 and was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends.”
According to TMZ, Massaro was rushed from her home in Suffolk County, NY to a hospital, where she later died. Her cause of death is not yet known.
Massaro rose to fame after winning the “WWE Diva Search” in 2005. She won the WWE Women’s Championship in 2007 and competed on “Survivor: China” in 2007, but was voted off after six days in the competition.
According to NBC News, Massaro was one of 60 former professional wrestlers who sued the WWE, claiming the organization failed to protect them from repeated head trauma that led to long-term brain damage.