A successful athlete and television celebrity passed away under tragic circumstances on May 16, sources have revealed.
Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star Ashley Massaro, 39, was found unconscious and hanging from the ceiling in what appeared to be a suicide-related death according to TMZ Sports.
????????????????????????: Ex-WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro Died By Hanging In Apparent Suicide https://t.co/GKOsv4O9fQ
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 21, 2019
New York Police Department (NYPD) made the discovery at Massaro’s Suffolk County home on New York’s Long Island and quickly arranged for her to be transported to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead.
Her death has been classified as “non criminal.”
WWE expressed condolences to Massaro’s loved ones.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro,” WWE said in a statement. “She performed in WWE from 2005 to 2008 and was beloved by her fellow superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends.”
Massaro will be buried in her local area and the WWE honored her with a full screen “In Memory” slate on May 19’s “Money in the Bank” pay-per-view event.
During her lifetime, Massaro was passionate about sharing her love of wrestling.
“Gonna be bumping around the ring starting next week at @NYWCWRESTLING super pumped ‘n’ ready to see what I got left in these ole boots of mine,” Massaro wrote on Twitter in March. “Those guy are the best super safe and make me feel so comfortable. If u live in tri state area ‘n’ want to train, this is where it’s at.”
Gonna be bumping around the ring starting next week at @NYWCWRESTLING ???? ???? super pumped n ready to see what I got left in these ole boots of mine! Those guy are the best super safe and make me feel so comfortable-if u live in tri state area n want to train-THIS IS WHERE ITS AT!
— ☆ Ashley Massaro ☆ (@ashleymassaro11) March 21, 2019
WWE said shortly after its members heard the news they paid tribute to Massaro.
“Shortly after news broke of Ashley Massaro’s tragic death, WWE Superstars, Legends, and friends joined the WWE Universe in sharing their memories, thoughts and prayers,” WWE said in a statement.
Former WWE Queen Torrie Wilson described Massaro as one of the nicest people she had ever met.
“I can’t even begin to explain how devastated I am to hear about Ashley Massaro—legit one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known,” she wrote on Twitter. “When we fall into a dark place it can seem like it will never change but if you are there please keep hope and reach out for help.”
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.
— Torrie Wilson (@Torrie11) May 17, 2019
Former WWE Wrestler Melina Perez said she felt “gutted” by the news and still found it hard to believe.
“How can this be real? It’s difficult and awful news to take in,” she wrote on Instagram. “I just wish this didn’t happen and I wish she didn’t hurt. She was a wonderful human being. I am so thankful to have known her and worked with her. She was such a sweet soul with a tremendously loyal and loving heart.”
Massaro retired in 2008 after becoming the first winner of the WWE Diva Search and competing at two WrestleManias. At the time she joined another 60 pro-wrestlers in a class action lawsuit against WWE for failing to protect athletes from head trauma and concussions, which was claimed to be a factor in Massaro’s mental health challenges. A federal judge in Connecticut dismissed the claims in 2018.
She was also formerly a contestant on the “Survivor” TV show and a model.
Massaro’s lawyer told the New York Post her family members might consider donating her brain to a doctor that researches chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with multiple head injuries.
She is survived by her daughter.
Suicide Hotlines
If you are in an emergency in the United States or Canada, please call 911. You can phone the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1 800 273 8255. Youth can call the Kids Help Phone on 1800 668 6868.
In Australia, the suicide prevention telephone hotline at Lifeline is 13 11 14. You can also visit the Lifeline website at lifeline.org.au. Youth can contact the Kids Helpline by phoning 1800 551 800 or visiting headspace.org.au/yarn-safe
If you are in an emergency in India, call Befrienders India – National Association at +91 33 2474 4704.
