Sara Lee, a former winner of the renowned “Tough Enough” competition hosted by the WWE, died in October, and now her cause of death has finally been revealed in a new autopsy report.
When she passed away seven months ago, the news shocked the wrestling community, and the WWE released a statement at the time expressing its sadness.
“As a former ‘Tough Enough’ winner, Lee served as an inspiration to many in the sports-entertainment world,” the WWE said. “WWE offers its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans.”
In 2015, Lee took part in “Tough Enough” season 6, which helped her land a one-year deal with the WWE. She competed with the organisation for most of 2016 before switching to the independent scene.
She wed WWE wrestler Wesley Blake in 2017; the two went on to have three children together. Blake posted a heartfelt message to Sara on his Instagram page a few days after she passed away.
He wrote: “You were a motivator, a best friend, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, the backbone of our family, and (my favourite), my wife.”
“I can’t promise that I will stop grieving but I know now that you’re free,” Blake said. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me the best years of my life so far.”
Seven months on, her cause of death has been revealed. According to documents from the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, Lee took her own life.
Reports state that she consumed a fatal dosage of medication and alcohol. The former wrestler had also left “letters of intent at the scene” prior to her passing, they continued.
Lee had bruises and injuries on her head and body, according to officials in the records, and reported that she may have sustained the wounds before her death while intoxicated.
Dozens of fans have shared tributes to Lee on social media, with one writing: “It hurt back in October finding out that she passed away, and it hurts incredibly more now knowing how. She was amazing and is still missed!”
Another said: “Even someone who seemingly has everything can be a prisoner in their own mind and be hurt enough to willingly leave a loving husband and 3 very young children without them in the world rather than suffer another day of existence. This is profoundly sad.”
“I’m barely finding out about her cause of death now! Even 6 months later it still hits hard! I still remember when she liked one of the tweets I sent her! My pick to win tough enough and my favourite wrestler that unfortunately, never came to be! You will be missed!” a third penned.
While a fourth commented: “You really never know what goes on. Please always keep in touch with people you love and stay close to those who you cherish. One act can really change someone and do a ton. #MentalHealthMatters RIP Sara Lee, you are missed.”
Our thoughts go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace.
