WWE wrestler and bodybuilder Nicole Bass has died age 52

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WWE wrestler and bodybuilder Nicole Bass has died at the age of 52.

Bass made her professional wrestling debut for ECW in 1998 after a bodybuilding career, and went on to join the WWE the following year.

WWE wrestler and bodybuilder Nicole Bass has died age 52

The cause of Bass’ death has not yet been determined, but fans have sparked rumours that she may have suffered a stroke or a heart attack.

Her girlfriend, Kristen Marrone, confirmed her death on Facebook.

She shot down the rumours that had been circulating online, and wrote that she was putting the story out in a “respectful” way before the story got “ugly”.

According to Marrone who was also Bass’ business partner, the wrestler had been in the hospital in her last few days after becoming unwell.

“A few days ago Nicole got very sick. She was brought into the hospital and they did everything they could to help her,” Marrone wrote.

“I have been sitting here with her in the room 24/7 since she got here making sure she was being given the best possible care. Today we learned that there is nothing else that can be done.”

She went on to write a tribute to the star, calling her an “amazing woman” and “beautiful soul”.

“Nicole was an amazing woman. Strong not only on the outside but inside as well. Beautiful soul and kind heart.

Many people knew Nicole but few ever got close enough to know the REAL woman that she was. I got to be one of the lucky few.

“Not only was she my soul mate and my girlfriend but she was my best friend, my teacher and my business partner,” Marrone added.

Before finishing the post which was published on Facebook, Marrone asked for friends, family and fans of the wrestling star to treat her “with the dignity and respect that she deserves”.