The wrestling world is in mourning today after Ashley Massaro, the former WWE Diva Search contest winner, passed away yesterday in New York.
Through its website and social media properties, WWE issued a statement saying, “We are saddened to learn of the tragic death of former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro. 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.”
All Elite Wrestling also put out a small statement reading, “We are saddened to learn Ashley Massaro has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.” Massaro was supposed to be part of the Starrcast II event which takes place during the Double or Nothing pay-per-view weekend next week.
While the cause of death has not been revealed, a tweet from Torrie Wilson might suggest that it was suicide as Wilson urged people that when they fall into a dark place with no end in sight, they should keep hope and reach out for help. Wilson called Massaro “legit one of the sweetest people” she’s ever known and couldn’t even begin to explain how devastated she was.
Some of Ashley’s former co-workers also paid tribute to her on Twitter.”
I have no words. Ashley was my tag partner at WrestleMania. My sometimes road wife,” wrote Maria Kanellis. “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. I’m heartbroken for her family.”
Lisa Marie Varon, the artist formerly known as Victoria in WWE, also wrote that she’s sad for the loss of her good friend and that she would be greatly missed.
“Words cannot express my sadness for the loss of Ashley Massaro,” tweeted Layla El. “Ashley took me under her wing an was so sweet to me. I have very fond memories that I will treasure. Too young to be gone.”
Trish Stratus, who was also in WWE when Massaro was around, wrote, “Darling, my heart hurts so much with this news. I remember being off with an injury and watching this beautiful, charismatic, athletic girl crowned Diva Search winner.” Trish recounted how she was her first suplex and stood by her as she took her first steps of her wrestling career. “I’m having a hard time processing this news of my friend, a fellow worker, a fellow mom. I’m both sad and mad…”
“This is just awful news – Ashley Massaro is gone,” fellow New Yorker Mick Foley wrote. “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.”
Other former Superstars such as Michelle McCool, Maryse, and many others also posted on social media about her death.
