WWE fighter Ashley Massaro dead at 39

The TV wrestler was found unconscious at her Long Island home and rushed to hospital in New York, where she was pronounced dead on Thursday. 

Massaro’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed but officials have confirmed it was ‘non-criminal’ in nature. 

The devastating news left the wrestling world in mourning on Thursday night, with WWE stars including Mick Foley leading the tributes. 

An official statement from the WWE organisation read: ‘We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends.’

 The organisation said Massaro ‘was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends.’ 

Ashley was discovered during a WWE Diva search in 2005 and became one of the best-known female wrestlers until her departure in 2008. The model and WWE Diva was particularly well-loved within the world of wrestling 

During this time, she became a Playboy coverstar, having previously posed for Stuff, Maxim and FHM. 

She is survived by her teenage daughter Alexis, who turns 19 in June, and recently said she was looking forward to her own big 40th birthday next Sunday. 

The night before her passing Ashley tweeted about answering ‘a ton’ of fanmail and thanked her fans for writing personal letters. 

Mick Foley was among the WWE champs who said he loved seeing her around in his home town. 

‘This is just awful news – Ashley Massaro is gone,’ he tweeted. ‘She was only 39. She lived in the same town as me…I loved seeing her around. She was always so nice…and now she’s gone.’ 

Torrie Wilson said: ‘I can’t even begin to explain how devastated I am to hear about @ashleymassaro11 – legit one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.

 ‘When we fall into a dark place it can seem like it will never change but if you are there PLEASE keep hope & reach out for help.’ 

Maria Bennett wrote: ‘I have no words. Ashley was my tag partner at Wrestlemania. My sometimes road wife. We did countless photo shoots and press days together. 

‘It seems like yesterday Ashley was a major part of my life and then our worlds changed and now she is gone. Im heartbroken for her family.’ 

Dana Brookes said: ‘My heart is saddened to hear about the passing of @ashleymassaro11 ! So strong but yet so young