'Gone too soon': MMA rocked by tragic death of 32-year-old fighter
Tributes are pouring in on social media after news of MMA fighter Katy Collins' death, at the age of just 32.
The veteran flyweight competitor was hospitalised last week after suffering a brain aneurysm that led to seizures and a stroke.
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Her trainer J.T. Tilley confirmed Collins' tragic passing with a touching message on Facebook.
"The fight is over. You never stopped fighting and we never gave up on you. Just wasn’t in the cards," Tilley wrote.
"I’ve always been so proud of you Kate. 'We did it... I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I will miss you more than the world will ever know."
Collins is survived by her two sons.
News of her death has left the MMA community shocked and devastated.
RIP Katy Collins
— crippled crappler (@metal_heart1) September 25, 2019
Very, very sad. RIP Katy Collins 🙏🏻 https://t.co/GCwkY0sY2B
— Sicilian Speed (@SicilianSpeed) September 25, 2019
RIP former @bellator fighter Katy Collins only 32 so sad 🙏
— Phil (@PhilM92_) September 25, 2019
I never had a chance to meet Katy Collins, but I knew who she was. So sad to hear of her passing. Prayers for her family and loved ones, as they sort through the hard days ahead. Always breaks my heart when the #MMA/#WMMA family loses one of their own. 😔
— Liv Parker (@Liv_4_MMA) September 25, 2019
You will be missed sooo much Katy Collins! #RIP #RedDragon Katy RED DRAGON Collins
— HR Jimmy Baker (@Jimmy_Baker34) September 25, 2019
Rest In Peace to Katy Collins, One More Light taken💔
— David #MCMLondon (@MrJkDavid) September 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Katy Collins. @BellatorMMA veteran. Just 32 years old. 🙏
— Bellator Nation (@BellatorNation) September 25, 2019
I never knew Katy personally but the news of her passing saddens me extra as my mother readies for a similar fight. Aneurysms are serious/near-indiscriminate, so never take your health or loved ones for granted.
Katy Collins GoFundMe for medical expenses: https://t.co/uyTEDclPCg https://t.co/Z8y2sDBhsY— Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) September 25, 2019
Rest In Peace to my good friend Katy Collins https://t.co/PTtv0O1uDa
— Rashad Cypress (@IamShadLo) September 25, 2019
R.I.P. Katy Collins ... Gone too soon ... 😔 😔 😔 ... https://t.co/hhRsyNB6id
— Chinny G/Mean-Muggin (@gordiemacd) September 25, 2019
Our condolences to the Family and Friends of Bellator Veteran Katy Collins who has passed away at 32. The Featherweight’s death on Sept 25 followed complications from last week’s brain aneurysm that left her hospitalized in Branson, MO. Rest in Paradise 💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/x9OvxWel9U
— Boxing Meets Beauty (@bizzybee0929) September 25, 2019
Nicknamed "Red Dragon", Collins is best known for her stint in Bellator, where she held a 2-1 fighting record.
The 32-year-old last competed in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) in June 2018.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover funeral and medical expenses for the mother-of-two - who had a 7-5 career record in the cage.
"Katy Collins fought as hard as she could. On September 25th, Katy peacefully left this Earth," the message on GoFundMe read.
"She leaves behind so many loved ones, family and friends who care so much for her. Katy leaves behind two young sons, who will struggle to understand this, like many of us
"Katy was young and strong and full of life and love. Her family will need all the help they can with funeral and medical costs.
"Any help at all is so appreciated. I know that Katy would have been happier than EVER knowing how much her friends have helped her.