Japanese professional wrestler Hana Kimura, who also starred in the latest Netflix hit reality show Television series “Terrace House,” died at age 22.
Kimura’s death was confirmed on Twitter by “We Are Stardom” on Friday—an organization that promotes professional wrestling for women.
The wrestling promotion released a statement on Twitter following the young star’s passing.
“We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away,” the post reads.
Stardom fans,
We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away.
Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends.
We appreciate your support during this difficult time.
— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) May 23, 2020
Kimura’s cause of death has not yet been determined. However, the same day she was found dead, she posted on Instagram a picture of herself and her cat with the words: “Goodbye.”
The young “World Wonder Ring Stardom” wrestling star had previously opened up that she was cyber-bullied, BBC reported.
Some of her friends and fans got worried about Kimura after she recently wrote on Twitter: “I don’t want to be a human anymore. It was a life I wanted to be loved. Thank you everyone, I love you. Bye.”
— 木村花????HanaKimura (@hanadayo0903) May 22, 2020
American professional wrestler and the current “Impact World Champion” Tessa Blanchard paid tribute to Kimura after hearing about the tragic news.
“It absolutely breaks my heart how cruel people can be on social media,” Blanchard said. “It was an amazing honor to know Hana Kimura.”
It absolutely breaks my heart how cruel people can be on social media. It was an amazing honor to know Hana Kimura. She was an amazing girl with the kindest soul and immense passion and work ethic. I’m at a loss of words over this tragedy. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Tessa Blanchard (@Tess_Blanchard) May 23, 2020
American professional wrestler and promoter Joseph Ryan Meehan, who is better known as Joey Ryan, said on Twitter he “couldn’t imagine dealing with hate on social media at 22.”
Ryan added that “some people should be ashamed” of themselves.
American wrestler Su Yung also paid tribute on Twitter and said in the caption of a post: “I will always love and miss you, my friend. You are my little sister,” adding a picture of her and Kimura.
“I will never forget you. So much I want to say… my heart is broken,” she continued.
Kimura was born in a wrestling family. Her mother, retired professional wrestler Kyoko Kimura competed throughout her 14-year career in large Japanese pro-wrestling competitions.
After Kimura’s graduation at the Wrestle-1 Professional Wrestling University. She made her debut at Wrestle-1—another wrestling promotion—in the year 2016. She won her first title at the JWP Junior Championship in September 2016 and officially joined Stardom in March 2019.
In September 2019, Kimura joined the Netflix reality show series “Terrace House,” with many drawn to her character, TMZ reported.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
If you’re in an emergency in the U.S. or Canada, please call 911. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255. Young people can call the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868.
For those living anywhere else the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide can provide contact details for suicide help.
