Victoria Lee obit

MMA Fighter Victoria Lee Dead at 18

 

She was not on the list.

Victoria's older sister, Angela Lee Pucci, shared the rising star passed away on Dec. 26. She was 18 years old.

"She has gone too soon and our family has been completely devastated since then," Angela wrote alongside a Jan. 8 Instagram photo of Victoria standing in front a sunflower field. "We miss her. More than anything in this world. Our family will never be the same. Life will never be the same."

Angela went on to share that Victoria, who won three fights during her career, "was the most beautiful soul who ever lived."

"She was the best little sister in the world," she added. "The best daughter, the best granddaughter and the best godma/aunty to Ava and Alia. 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."

In her heartbreaking message, Angela also reflected on the impact of her sister's memory.

"Each and every little thing makes me think of you," she continued. "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."

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Though Angela didn't share details on Victoria's death, the 26-year-old asked for their family to be given "grace and respect during this most difficult time."

Moments after Victoria's last fight—which she won against Victoria Souza at the ONE Championship 143: Revolution event in September 2021—the MMA star reflected on what the victory meant to her.

"I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love for a living," she wrote alongside a series of photos from their match on Instagram at the time. "I can't wait to get back in the gym and sharpen up each area of my game. This is just the beginning for me and I can't wait for what's to come."

Singaporean combat sports promotion ONE Championship, which Victoria Lee had been with since 2020, also confirmed Lee's death on social media.

"The ONE Championship team is devastated over the tragic passing of Victoria Lee," the company said in a tweet. "We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time."