Rosario Monachino
Rising MMA star Victoria ‘The Prodigy’ Lee has sadly died aged 18.
Lee, who competed in the organisation ONE Championship and was undefeated in her three fights, comes from a successful fighting family.
Her older sister Angela, 26, is the ONE Championship’s Atomweight title holder.
While her older brother Christian, 24, is the current Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion in the organisation.
Lee’s family took to Instagram on January 8 and shared a heartbreaking statement, confirming the teenager’s passing.
Watch Angela Lee train for one of her previous fights below…
It read that Lee passed away on December 26.
Her cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
In a saddening post, Lee’s older sister penned: “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.
“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.
“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.”
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The post continued: “We miss you so much sis. More than you could ever realise. 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.
“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. I love you Sprout. Until the end of time.”
Angela asked that her family are given respect and privacy during this time, before adding how important it is to check on your loved ones.
A number of fighters have commented on the post to pay their respects to Lee, including current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko and current ONE Men’s Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson.
View this post on Instagram
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has also paid tribute to Victoria in a Facebook post.
He wrote: “I am heartbroken by Victoria Lee’s passing.
“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.
“May you rest in peace, Victoria. We will all miss you.
“I send my love, prayers, strength, and light to Ken, Jewelz, Angela, Christian, Adrian, and all of their loved ones. I am so truly heartbroken for your loss. May God bless you.”
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Lee’s fans have also taken to social media and paid tribute to the young star.
One person said: ‘Sending my love to your family and condolences.”
Another user added: “I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences to you and all of your family.”
“I am so sorry… prayers for her and your family,” commented a third.
Someone else expressed: “I am deeply sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family love and prayers.”
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
Lee signed for ONE Championship in 2020 when she was 16 years old and won all three of her fights.
She last fought in September 2022 before announcing she was taking a break from competing to focus on graduating high school, reports Daily Mail.
Our thoughts are with the Lee family during this time.
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