Reality TV Star and Pro-Wrestler Hana Kimura Dead at Age 22

By The Associated Press
Published May 23, 2020 at 8:30pm

Hana Kimura, a Japanese pro-wrestler who appeared in the latest series of the popular reality show “Terrace House,” has died. She was 22.

Her organization Stardom Wrestling confirmed Kimura’s death on Saturday.

It said details are still largely unknown and the group was cooperating in an investigation, and asked her fans to be respectful.

Stardom fans,

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.

We appreciate your support during this difficult time.

— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) May 23, 2020

“We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away,” the organization said in a statement.

Kimura was found dead at her home, Japanese media said.

According to the Los Angeles Times, some fans speculated her death was a suicide triggered by cyberbullying.

Kimura became the target of massive bullying on social media over her role on the “Terrace House” show on Netflix.

The show involves three men and three women temporarily living together at a shared house in Tokyo.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hana Kimura.

Hana was a beautiful and talented star!
Words are powerful.
Please be kind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Hana’s family during this time. 🙏🏼#RIPHanaKimura ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NvJrmxI35A

— ROH Wrestling (@ringofhonor) May 23, 2020

The show was temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus.

In her latest Instagram posting Friday, she published a photo of herself and her cat, with a message saying “Goodbye.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 木村花(HANA) (@hanadayo0903) on May 22, 2020 at 11:15am PDT

Another posting carried a message “I love you, live long and happy. I’m sorry.”

Her death has triggered a wave of messages on social media against anonymous bullying and hateful messages.

Kimura, whose mother, Kyoko, was also a famous pro-wrestler, performed at a sold-out Madison Square Garden event by Japan Pro-Wrestling and U.S. Ring of Honor.

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