Who was Melissa Coates and what was her cause of death?
EX-WWE star Melissa Coates, who has died aged 50, was a "trailblazer" in the world of professional bodybuilding and pro-wrestling, say pals. Known better to fans and viewers as Super Genie, the late grappler frequently accompanied ECW legend Sabu to the ring during her later career. Throughout the 1990s, Melissa Coates competed in the International Federation of Bodybuilding, according to an online fundraiser. It adds that the athlete was placed highly in their Ms. Olympia and Ms. International events. Due to her success, she was ranked 9th in the world in women's bodybuilding. Melissa featured extensively in fitness magazines, including Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscle Mag, Muscular Development and Iron Man. After retiring from bodybuilding, Melissa trained with Hall of Fame pro wrestler, Killer Kowalski. She later competed in the WWE and throughout the independents. Melissa was known as "The Super Genie" and managed legendary pro wrestler, Sabu. They performed for various pro wrestling companies across the globe. Melissa Coates passed away just months after a life-saving leg amputation. Back in October 2020 a GoFundMe page was created after she had to have her leg amputated due to the "arteries supplying blood to her left lower leg were completely obstructed by blood clots". No cause of death has yet been given for the former bodybuilder, wrestler and manager. The news was broken by a friend of hers on Facebook, who wrote: This may be the hardest post I have ever made Just got word from Terry Sabu Brunk that Super Genie Melissa Coates has passed away this afternoon..  I also have spoken to her brother, JR Coates and niece, Cassi. They told me to post this sad news  4 The former bodybuilders death comes just months after a life-saving leg amputation Credit: @melissalcoates/INSTAGRAM  Sabu will not be taking calls and please respect their privacy at this time. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.  Sabu then retweeted a post referencing Coates death. That was followed by the Cauliflower Alley Club  the non-profit corporation that looks after former full-time wrestlers  also confirming the news. They tweeted: Everyone here at the CAC is deeply saddened to hear the news that Super Genie Melissa Coates has passed away. We send out our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and fans. May they find comfort in the memories left behind during this most difficult time. R.I.P. Ringside News says that Melissa Coates was inspired after watching Martina Navratilova. The tennis star encouraged Coates - who was keen to become a professional tennis player - to start weightlifting at the age of 15. "In 2014, she became The Super Genie and served as the traveling valet with Sabu," explains Postwrestling.