MMA fighter Victoria Lee, who fought with the ONE Championship fight organization, has died at the age of 18.
Lee's death was confirmed on Saturday by Victoria's sister, also an MMA fighter, on Instagram with no cause of death provided.
Rising ONE Championship Star Victoria Lee Dead at 18 https://t.co/JdP2yJCCCM
— villagealchemist (@AnneJor00635096) January 8, 2023
"On December 26, 2022 our family experienced something no family should ever have to go through... It is incredibly difficult to say this... Our Victoria passed away," her sister posted on Instagram Saturday.
“She has gone too soon, and our family has been completely devastated since then,” she added wrote. “We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same," it continued.
"Each and every little thing makes me think of you. From the sun rays, to the sunset. You taught us to see the beauty in the simple things," she added.
ONE Championship MMA fighter Victoria Lee dead at 18 https://t.co/T9QcSGHmOO pic.twitter.com/qP8bMLTq0Q
— New York Post (@nypost) January 8, 2023
"Victoria Lee followed in her older siblings’ footsteps when she signed with ONE Championship in 2020. Sister Angela Lee is the current atomweight champion while brother Christian Lee holds the lightweight championship," the New York Post reported.
"She had a 3-0 professional record before her death. Lee made her mixed martial arts debut in 2021, defeating Sunisa Srian by rear-naked choke. She last fought in September 2021 as she balanced mixed martial arts and her studies," it added.
The ONE Championship team is devastated over the tragic passing of Victoria Lee. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/EUIp8jplxN
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 8, 2023
The One Championship team also made a statement regarding the fighter's death.
"The ONE Championship team is devastated over the tragic passing of Victoria Lee. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time," it tweeted.
Before her MMA fighting, Lee competed at the junior level in combat sports. She was also a state wrestling champion in high school.
Her obituary is posted at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and Funeral Home (Kaneohe, Hawaii). Several friends and loved ones have shared their tributes mourning the loss of the starred fighter following her unexpected death.
A celebration of her life is scheduled for Jan. 22 as many mourn her loss at such a young age.
