Hana Kimura, a Japanese pro wrestler and reality show star, died Saturday at the age of 22, the World Wonder Ring Stardom wrestling promotion announced on social media.
Kimura was considered a most promising young star in pro wrestling. She had recently earned international notoriety for being a cast member on the hit reality series "Terrace House," which airs on Netflix. No official cause of death was given.
"We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," World Wonder Ring Stardom posted in a statement on its Twitter account. "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."
In April 2019, Kimura performed at a sold-out Madison Square Garden as part of a card put on by New Japan Pro-Wrestling and U.S. promotion Ring of Honor. Kimura, whose mother Kyoko was also a wrestler, was chosen as one of only four women this past January to wrestle in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome at New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom event.
Before the cancellations caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Stardom had been planning to feature Kimura as one of the faces of its company. One of the top all-women promotions in the world, Stardom has sent several alumni to WWE, including current stars Kairi Sane and Io Shirai.
Several top wrestling stars honored Kimura on social media Saturday, including former UFC and WWE champion Ronda Rousey and current WWE NXT champion Charlotte Flair.
"To Hana Kimura and her family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss," Rousey wrote on Instagram. "There are no words that could possibly heal this wound... Rest In Peace Hana Kimura."