An 18-year-old mixed martial arts fighter died the day after Christmas, according to a Saturday Instagram story by her sister. No cause of death was given.
Victoria Lee was a rising MMA star, according to a USA Today report that noted she held a 3-0 record. The report noted her sister Angela and brother Christian were past titleholders in the ONE Championship promotion.
The teenager fought her first pro match in February 2021, but even before then she impressed audiences watching her at the junior level, the report added. She was Hawaiian pankration junior world champion twice, a Hawaii state wrestling champion and an IMMAF junior world champion.
“The ONE Championship team is devastated over the tragic passing of Victoria Lee,” the promoters remarked on Twitter. “We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.”
The caption appeared above a photo of the young martial arts fighter in the cage, prepared to battle.
“On December 26, 2022, our family experienced something no family should ever have to go through,” said Angela Lee, “It is incredibly difficult to say this… Our Victoria passed away.”
Angela said Victoria died too soon, completely devastating her family.
“We miss her. More than anything in this world,” the bereaved sister said. “Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same.”
The heartfelt death announcement described Victoria as the best little sister, daughter and granddaughter.
Lee’s sister Angela a ONE Championship atomweight title holder, described her deceased sister as the the most beautiful person who ever lived.
“Each and every little thing makes me think of you,” she added. “From the sun rays, to the sunset. You taught us to see the beauty in the simple things. You were our bright light. Our sunshine. And that will never change. You were perfect in every way. The best person I knew. The most beautiful girl, inside and out.”
“We love you Victoria,” she continued. “I love you Sprout.”
“Until the end of time.”
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