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Tributes have been paid to former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro after she passed away, aged 39.
According to TMZ Sports, Massaro died after being taken to hospital from her home in the Suffolk County area of New York after police received a "rescue me" call at around 5:20 am on Thursday morning.
The cause of death has yet to be revealed but it is thought the case is being classified as "non-criminal".
Massaro rose to fame by winning WWE's 2005 Raw Diva Search, a competition which saw her win a one-year contract with the company worth Sh25 million
She was involved in a range of high-profile matches during her stint with WWE including a WWE Women's Championship match against Melina at WrestleMania 23.
Massaro also appeared on the April 2007 cover of Playboy Magazine before cutting ties with WWE in 2008.
"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 2005-2008 and was beloved by her fellow Superstars and fans around the world. WWE offers its condolences to Ashley’s family and friends."
Tributes have poured in from around the world, with WWE posting a tribute to her career on their website.
Former star Mick Foley wrote on Twitter: "This is just awful news - Ashley Massaro is gone. 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. #RIPAshleyMassaro"
Massaro's last tweet at on Wednesday saw her post a picture of a pile of letters, writing: "Just answered a ton of fanmail so you guys should be receiving them soon! Love ya punx".
In 2016, she joined 59 other former professional wrestlers in a joint lawsuit against the WWE, alleging they concealed the dangers of repetitive head injuries that have caused them neurological damage.
She also alleged she was sexually assaulted at a US military base in the same lawsuit.
Massaro leaves behind a daughter, Alexis, aged 18.
