29 Wrestlers Who Died In 2019

12. Ashley Massaro (16 May)

Ashley Massaro
WWE

Former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro tragically took her own life on 16 May. She was 39 years old.

Medics had rushed to her Suffolk County, New York home after receiving a call reporting an unconscious female. Massaro was given CPR en route to the hospital, though paramedics were unable to revive her. Suffolk County police later clarified her death as 'non-criminal'.

Growing up, both Ashley's father and brother competed as amateur wrestlers, though the mat game wasn't her first interest; she completed a BSc in Communication at the State University of New York. It was only in 2005, after capturing WWE's attention through her modelling work, that she entered the industry, earning a contract worth $250,000 as the Raw Diva Search winner.

She subsequently linked up with Trish Stratus during her career's early stages. Her WWE run peaked when she fought Melina for the Women's Title at WrestleMania 23, and she made it onto the following year's card as well, though she was unsuccessful on both occasions.

2008 saw Massaro retire from WWE for the benefit of her sick daughter. In September 2017, she made a one-off return to the ring, competing in Zero1 alongside ex-WWE colleague Jillian Hall.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.