Days after the death of professional wrestler Ashley Massaro, a report has emerged about the cause of her death.
Citing unnamed sources, TMZ Sports reported that the former WWE Superstar died of suicide. Her death is classified as "non-criminal," according to the tabloid site.
According to Massaro’s lawyer, Konstantine Kyros, Massaro’s brain may be donated to science for study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
"It was her desire to donate her brain to be studied," Kyros said in a statement to CNN.
Related: WWE wrestler Ashley Massaro dead at 39
CNN reported that Massaro worked with the WWE from 2005 to 2008 and was among 60 pro wrestlers who sued the WWE in 2016, claiming the organization made them perform maneuvers that led to head injuries. The suit also claimed the WWE failed to care for injured wrestlers.
The suit was dismissed by a federal judge in Connecticut in 2018, according to The Associated Press.
Credit: Bobby Bank
Credit: Bobby Bank
TMZ Sports reported that mixed martial artist CM Punk called into WMGM and admitted he hasn't spoken to Massaro in years, but speculated that she may have taken her own life.
“Tremendously sad way to go,” he said. “It’s May. It’s Mental Health Month. I don’t know specific details. I heard a couple of things but if anybody’s out there and you’re listening to this and you’re depressed and things aren’t going your way, there's no reason to feel alone.
“Just reach out to somebody. Text a friend. Call somebody. There’s hotlines. There's ways you can get help.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached for help online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org and by calling 1-800-273-8255.
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