Sara Lee – a former WWE “Tough Enough” wrestler – has died at age 30. Tributes poured in for the mother of three from friends and the wrestling world remembered Lee as the “sweetest person.”
The tragic news of Lee’s death was announced on Facebook by her mother Terri.
“It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus. We are all in shock and arrangements are not complete,” the grieving mother wrote in a Facebook post. “We ask that you respectfully let our family mourn. We all need prayers especially Cory and her children.”
Lee is survived by her husband and their three young children.
In 2017, Lee married fellow wrestler Cory James Weston – who is also known by his WWE ring name of Westin Blake.
Sara “Weston” Lee’s cause of death was not disclosed.
In her final Instagram post that was shared on Wednesday, Lee wrote: “Celebrating finally being healthy enough to go to the gym 2 days in a row. First ever sinus infection kicked my butt.”
In 2015, Lee was a contestant in the World Wrestling Entertainment’s reality TV series “Tough Enough.” Lee was awarded a one-year contract for winning the sixth season of the WWE reality television competition.
Lee wrestled in the WWE’s NXT brand in 2016 before being released at the end of her contract.
As a wrestler, she performed under the name “Hope” as a reference to her hometown of Hope Township, Michigan.
Tributes honored the beloved wrestler.
The WWE released a statement on Lee’s death, “WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Sara Lee. 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.”
Professional wrestler Chelsea Green wrote on Twitter, “No tweet or amount of words can bring back this beautiful human, but all of my heart goes out to @TheWestinBlake & their family. The photo on the left is how I will always remember her — laughing, smiling, carefree.”
British AEW wrestler Saraya added, “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.”
Pro-wrestler Athena Palmer wrote, “My heart is absolutely broken. I am lost for words and I am still in absolute shock. I love you and will miss you eternally Sara Lee.”
WWE star Asuka stated, “I’ll miss Sara forever.”
Wrestling legend Mick Foley said, “This is just awful news. I’m sending my best wishes and a healing prayer to her family and friends.”
WWE announcer Kayla Braxton lamented, “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.”
WWE Raw referee Shawn Bennett wrote, “Heartbroken for the Weston Family. Sara Lee was one of the sweetest people I’ve met and her smile lit up a room. My love and hope for strength goes to Cory, and their three beautiful children.”
WWE wrestler Dana Brooke expressed, “My heart is so sad! Sara was such a pure soul, great woman, & even a better mother!”
WWE referee Eddie Orengo said, “The sweetest person that we were blessed to call a friend. Rest Peacefully, Sara. To Cory, Piper, Brady, and Case, I Love You and will forever be here for you.”
A GoFundMe campaign was launched by James Smith – who wrestles under the ring name Bull James.
We’re all shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Tough Enough winner Sara Lee. As her loving husband, Cory, picks up the pieces and continues to raise their 3 children, the last thing anyone in that position wants to be worried about is money and paying for a funeral and everything else that comes along with it. The wrestling community has always been one to come together in the wake of tragedy and this is no different. Every penny raised from this will go directly to Cory and the kids. Thank you all in advance. RIP Sara, you were one of the good ones.
The crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $76,000 in less than 24 hours.
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