Japanese Stardom wrestler Hana Kimura dies aged 22

The young professional wrestler was allegedly subjected to online abuse before her death

Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura has died aged 22. Getty Images 

Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura has died aged 22. News of her death comes hours after she posted a series of chilling tweets suggesting she had engaged in self-harm after being targeted by online trolls and bullies.

The professional wrestler competed for World Wonder Ring Stardom, often simply called Stardom, a women's professional wrestling championship.

The Stardom Twitter accounts announced her death in both English and Japanese.

"We are very sorry to report that our Hana Kimura has passed away," the English account wrote.

"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."

The Japanese statement referred to an investigation into her death, saying there were details that had "not yet been grasped", adding that they would cooperate with authorities.

Kimura was the daughter of fellow wrestler, Kyoko Kimura.

It has been reported that on Friday, May 22, Hana Kimura wrote about the bullying she faced online in a series of tweets that have since been deleted.

She is reported to have said she faces "nearly 100 frank opinions every day" which she labelled "hurtful".

Kimura then wrote: "Thank you to everyone who supported me. I love it. I’m weak, I’m sorry. 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.”

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