Sarah Lee, former WWE wrestler and the 2015 winner of the reality series “Tough Enough,” has died at age 30.
Lee’s death was confirmed on Thursday via Facebook by her mother, Terri.
“It is with heavy hearts we wanted to share that our Sara Weston has gone to be with Jesus,” Terri Lee wrote Thursday. “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.”
No cause of death was given, though on Wednesday Lee had posted on Instagram that she was recovering her health after “first ever sinus infection kicked my butt.”
In a statement provided to TheWrap, WWE expressed their sadness over Lee’s death and their condolences for her family, including her husband, Cory James Weston (wrestler Wesley Blake), and their three children.
“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Sara Lee,” the statement read. “Born and raised in Hope Township, Michigan, Lee excelled in powerlifting before eventually joining the sixth season of WWE’s ‘Tough Enough.’ Lee went on to win the fan vote for ‘Tough Enough’ and serve as an inspiration to many in the sports-entertainment world. WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans.”
In the hours after the news of Lee’s death broke, fellow WWE wrestler Bull James launched a GoFundMe to raise money for Weston and Lee’s children. At the time of publishing, the campaign had tripled its $20,000 goal, raising nearly $70,000.
“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,” James wrote. “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.”