Hana Kimura Has Died
Stardom wrestler was 22 years old.
Hana Kimura, a performer with Japanese promotion Stardom and a cast member of Netflix show Terrace House, has passed away. She was 22 years old.
Stardom confirmed her passing with a short statement released on Friday:
“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.”
Kimura's cause of death is currently unknown. Her most recent social media update showed the wrestler with her cat, alongside a caption reading "Goodbye."
In another recent post, Kimura wrote:
"Around 100 frank opinions every day. I couldn't deny that I was hurt. 'Die, you're disgusting, disappear' - until now, I've been the one thinking these things the most. Thank you mom for giving birth to me. It was a life of wanting to be loved."
[Translation courtesy of @plantsbby]
Kimura, the only child of retired wrestler Kyoko Kimura, debuted professionally at the age of 18, though she'd previously held DDT's light-hearted Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship as a child.
Last September, her celebrity skyrocketed after appearing on Japanese reality show Terrace House. Stardom intended to make her the promotion's biggest name, beginning with a Tokyo Dome curtain raiser ahead of Wrestle Kingdom this past January.
The wrestling world has reached out to eulogise Kimura in the wake of her passing. WWE's Natalya wrote:
"I just heard this news and I'm truly saddened by it. Heartbreaking. Prayers for #HanaKimura and her family."
New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling both posted tributes on Twitter. The former described Kimura as a "wonderful and gentle soul".
WhatCulture.com sends our heartfelt condolences to Kimura's family and friends.