Stardom wrestler Hana Kimura’s organisation, confirmed the news and asked fans to be respectful. Though the cause of death was not immediately clear. Kimua’s was in danger after the budding star sent out a series of graphic, worrying tweets with slashes to her wrist, suggesting she had engaged in self-harm. Kimura had been the subject of hundreds of mean tweets from fans and critics on a daily basis.
A winner of Stardom’s 2019 Fighting Spirit Award, Kimura was one of the cast members of Japanese reality TV show Terrace House, before it was suspended due to coronavirus. The show follows 3 men and 3 women as they temporarily live together in a house.
Stardom confirmed her death on Twitter on Saturday, Stardom said: “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.”
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
Concerns were raised on Friday after Kimura reportedly posted images of self-harm on Twitter along with messages that read: “I don’t want to be a human anymore. It was a life I wanted to be loved. Thank you everyone, I love you. Bye.”
Kimura is said to have been the target of hundreds of mean tweets from fans and critics on a daily basis. On news of her death, fans and industry figures spoke out against cyber-bullying and its impact on mental health.
“I hope this serves as a reminder that interactions on social media can have a serious effect on the mental health of anyone, no matter who they are,” wrote wrestling journalist Adam Pacitti.
The death of Hana Kimura is an absolute tragedy. I hope this serves as a reminder that interactions on social media can have a serious effect on the mental health of anyone, no matter who they are. Be kind. RIP.
— Adam Pacitti (@adampacitti) May 23, 2020
Kimura’s life, however, meant so much more than a token message about cyberbullying that will sadly be lost in a 24-hour news cycle. That makes it doubly saddening that such seemingly trivial opinions can carry so much weight with anybody, regardless of stature.
Fans and wrestlers worldwide have posted tributes eulogizing the popular star.
Among those also paying tributes to the star online was British professional wrestler Jamie Hayter, who wrote: “Distraught. I don’t even know what to say or feel. Numb. I can’t express it. RIP Hana Kimura. Such a wonderful human being.”
US wrestler Su Yung said: “I will always love and miss you, my friend. You are my little sister.”
I will always love and miss you, my friend. You are my little sister. The Swanns send our love and condolences to Hana Kimura, her family, and loved ones. I will never forget you. So much I want to say… my heart is broken. pic.twitter.com/PB5pO20YIj
— Sü Yüng (@realsuyung) May 23, 2020
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
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