WWE in shock after death of wrestler Sara Lee, 30
The wrestling world has been left in shock after the death of former WWE star Sara Lee at the age of 30.
Tributes have poured in from fans and wrestling colleagues after the tragic news was shared by Lee's mother on social media.
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Lee shot to prominence as the winner of the sixth season of WWE reality show Tough Enough back in 2015, earning herself a brief contract with the company.
She was released in 2016, but remained closely connected to the wrestling world thanks to her marriage to fellow wrestler Blake Austin, aka Westin Blake in the ring.
The couple married in December 2017, and had three children, the first being born earlier that year.
A GoFundMe page that had been set up to help cover the family's expenses was shared by WWE star Kayla Braxton, as news of Lee's death left the community devastated.
On Facebook, Lee's mother asked for well-wishes to send their prayers to the family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our Sarah Weston has gone to be with Jesus,” she wrote.
“We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete. We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn.
“We all need prayers, especially Cory and her children.”
WWE left heartbroken after sudden passing of Sara Lee
The WWE released a statement of their own, paying tribute to Lee's rise to the WWE ranks.
“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Sara Lee,” the company wrote.
“As a former ‘Tough Enough’ winner, Lee served as an inspiration to many in the sports-entertainment world.
“WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans.”
Many other tributes from current and former stars were posted to Twitter, with the likes of Mick Foley, Saraya, Lexi Cabrera (aka Alexa Bliss) and Sonya Deville all paying tribute to Lee.
WWE Tough Enough 2015 winner, Sara Lee has sadly passed away at the age of 30, as shared by her mother on Facebook.
Heartbreaking.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/wbaYLGx6nR— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) October 6, 2022
This is just awful news. I’m sending my best wishes and a healing prayer to her family and friends. #RIPSaraLee https://t.co/QHowlyTAB8
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) October 6, 2022
This is so heartbreaking - what a beautiful person we’ve lost - and leaving behind 3 small children and a husband who always expressed how madly in love he was with her. I’m so so sorry. Just heartbreaking. https://t.co/SVXLLaG60r
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) October 7, 2022
Absolutely heart breaking, life is too short. Sara was awesome 💔 sending love and prayers to her family and loved ones. https://t.co/h65703b2v8
— Sonya Deville (@SonyaDevilleWWE) October 6, 2022
We love you Sara. So heartbreaking. Please keep Cory & their family in your thoughts and prayers 🖤 pic.twitter.com/SXtwhIdmVq
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) October 6, 2022
This is heartbreakingly tragic. Sending love to her family. Very sweet human who I got the pleasure to know and work with. 💔 RIP Sara Lee pic.twitter.com/bGZ9FZNnXj
— SARAYA (@Saraya) October 6, 2022
“This is so heartbreaking – what a beautiful person we’ve lost,” Kayla Braxton wrote.
“And leaving behind 3 small children and a husband who always expressed how madly in love he was with her.
“I’m so so sorry. Just heartbreaking.”
Lee and Blake had welcomed their first child in May of 2017, marrying later that year.
The couple had another two children together, two boys born in 2019 and 2021.
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