MMA promise Victoria Lee dies at age 18 of unknown causes

Devastating news for the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Victoria Lee, one of its strongest young promises, died unexpectedly at age 18.

Photo: @angelaleemma / Instagram

Angela Lee, Victoria's sister, announced the death of the young fighter on her social media.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

The statement begins by confirming that Victoria Lee died on December 26, 2022, although the family didn't announce it publicly until January 7, 2023.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

In addition, Angela Lee and her family have chosen not to reveal the cause of Victoria's death.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

What they did share with their followers was the pain of "something no family should ever have to go through. It is incredibly difficult to say this, our Victoria passed away," Angela Lee's sad statement reads.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

"She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then," the deceased athlete's sister says. "We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same."

Photo: @angelaleemma / Instagram

Angela Lee continues her statement as a letter to Victoria: "We miss you so much sis. More than you could ever realize. We're all broken. Because a piece of you was in each of us and when you left, those pieces were ripped out of us. We will never be the same."

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

As a final piece of advice, the statement reminds people to "check on your loved ones. Keep checking on them. Give them hugs and tell them how much they mean to you. You just never know."

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

With the death of Victoria Lee, one of the great emerging figures of women's MMA has left us. She was the sister of two world champions of the discipline: Angela and Christian Lee (in the photo).

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

The 18-year-old was a native of the United States and had roots in Singapore, China, and South Korea. In the photo, she is posing with her parents.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

Victoria Lee debuted in the world of Mixed Martial Arts in 2021. At the time of her death, she was competing in the ONE Championship where she'd signed her contract in July 2021.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

Within a short time span, Victoria Lee became Hawaiian World Junior Pankration Champion, Hawaiian State Champion in Wrestling, and IMAAF World Junior Champion.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

Friends, fighters, commentators, and anonymous fans have responded to her sister's heartbreaking message with condolences and notes of support for the family.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

The ONE Championship account said goodbye to its champion with an emotional message and gestures of support for her relatives.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram

"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."

Photo: @onechampionship / Instagram

While more details about her cause of death may be known later, for now, there remains nothing but regret for the loss of life of someone so young.

Photo: @victorialee.mma / Instagram