AEW star Brodie Lee passes away at the age of 41

AEW wrestler Brodie Lee has passed away at the age of 41.

The tragic news was announced by AEW in a statement on their official Twitter account, which read: "The All Elite Wrestling Family is heartbroken.

"In an industry filled with good people, Jon Huber was exceptionally respected and beloved in every way – a fierce and captivating talent, a thought mentor and simply a very kind soul that starkly contradicted his persona as Mr Brodie Lee.

"Jon's love for his wife Amanda, and children Brodie and Nolan, was evident to all of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with him, and we send our love and support to his beautiful family, today and always.

"Jon's popularity among its peers and influence on the wrestling world was worldwide and transcended AEW, so this loss will be felt by many for a long time. We were privileged at AEW to call Jon Huber a brother, a friend and one of our own."

On Instagram, Lee's wife Amanda wrote in a statement that her husband passed away after a "hard fought battle with a non-COVID related lung issue"

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On Twitter WWE, where Lee formerly worked as Luke Harper, wrote: "WWE is saddened to learn that Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper, passed away today at age 41. WWE extends its condolences to Huber's family, friends and fans."

Lee joined AEW in March 2020 as Mr Brodie Lee, the leader of The Dark Order.

In August he became AEW's second-ever TNT Champion after he defeated Cody. His last match in AEW was on the October 7 edition of Dynamite against Cody.

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Tributes to Lee have poured in from wrestlers across the industry on Twitter. Cody Rhodes wrote: "My heart is stricken by the loss of Brodie Lee.

"It was obvious he was an extremely gifted athlete and storyteller, and his gift beyond that was to challenge you and he set the bar very high.

"Upon anybody's first meeting with him it was even more apparent he was a family man and a first class human being. I got to share his last number, I got to have his last match. That is an honor and a privilege and an experience so ferociously humbling. Thank you 'Big Rig.' We will honor you and your family."

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AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks wrote: "We love you Brodie." WWE's Stephanie McMahon wrote: "I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of Jon Huber. We bonded over the love of our children. He was a true family man. #RIPBrodieLee."

Brandi Rhodes wrote: "I love and miss you Jon. Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family. We all love you so very much. You were such a great man. It's been my pleasure and privilege to know and work with you. Your family is our family now. We will watch over them. Rest now friend."

AEW CEO Tony Khan tweeted: "I'm devastated by the loss of Jon Huber, known to fans as Mr Brodie Lee, formerly Luke Harper. Jon was a great man. His family came first, his loving wife Amanda and their sons Brodie and Nolan. He loved wrestling and was great at it, he loved you fans. Please keep him in your hearts."

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Digital Spy extends our condolences to the friends and family of Jon Huber.

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