Victoria Lee, a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts, has tragically passed away aged 18.
The news was announced on Instagram by her sister, Angela Lee, who explained that Victoria had died the day after Christmas.
"On December 26, 2022, our family experienced something no family should ever have to go through..." she started. "It is incredibly difficult to say this... Our Victoria passed away.
"She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then. We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same."
The heartbroken sibling continued: "Victoria was the most beautiful soul who ever lived. She was the best little sister in the world. The best daughter, the best granddaughter and the best godma / aunty to Ava and Alia.
Angela then went on to say that the family is "broken" because a piece of them has been "ripped out of us."
"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. 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 concluded. "I love you Sprout. Until the end of time."
Victoria followed in her sister's footsteps, starting her career as a professional MMA fighter under the label ONE Championship.
The Singaporean combat sports promoter also released a statement when the news was announced stating that they are "devastated" at the sudden loss.
"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," they said via a statement on Twitter.
Chatri Sityodtong, the current CEO of ONE Championship released an emotional statement about the teen's death.
"I am heartbroken by Victoria Lee’s passing," he said on Saturday. "I first met Victoria when she was 11 years old. I watched her blossom over the years as a martial artist and a human being. I always remember thinking how wise, thoughtful, and selfless she was beyond her years.
"Of course, she was an extraordinary martial arts prodigy even back then, but I could see that she was so much more than that. Victoria had the purest heart of gold and a brilliant mind. She looked after others before herself. She wanted to use her life to help the world.
"I will always remember Victoria for the beautiful and precious soul that she was."
In 2020, when she was signed, the CEO described the then-16-year-old as the "single greatest pound-for-pound female prospect in the world."
As per the New York Post, Victoria 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.
So far, no official cause of death has been revealed.
Rest in peace, Victoria. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this extremely difficult period.
