Brodie Lee, also known as Luke Harper in WWE, was a professional wrestler who passed away on December 26, 2020, at the age of 41. His death shocked and saddened the wrestling world, as he was a respected and beloved performer and person. But what was Brodie Lee’s cause of death? How did he die so young and unexpectedly? In this article, we will explore the details of his life, career, and illness that led to his demise.
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Who was Brodie Lee?
Brodie Lee was the ring name of Jonathan Huber, who was born in Rochester, New York, on December 16, 1979. He was interested in wrestling from a young age, and started his career as a backyard wrestler, performing under the name Huberboy #2. He later trained with Kirby Marcos, Rik Matrix, and Tony Mamaluke, and made his debut for Roc City Wrestling in 2003. He adopted the name Brodie Lee from the movie Mallrats, combining the names of actor Jason Lee and his character Brodie Bruce.
He worked on the independent circuit for several promotions, such as Chikara, Ring of Honor, and Dragon Gate, where he gained a reputation for his size, agility, and charisma. He signed with WWE in 2012, and was given the name Luke Harper. He joined the Wyatt Family, a stable of cult-like followers led by Bray Wyatt, and won the NXT Tag Team Championship and the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship with his partner Erick Rowan. He also had a brief run as a singles competitor, winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship in 2014.
He left WWE in 2019, after requesting his release due to creative differences and frustration with his booking. He joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2020, as Mr. Brodie Lee, the leader of the Dark Order, a faction of masked minions. He won the AEW TNT Championship in August 2020, defeating Cody Rhodes in a dominant fashion. He lost the title back to Rhodes in October 2020, in a brutal dog collar match, which turned out to be his last match.
What was Brodie Lee’s cause of death?
According to his wife, Amanda Huber, Brodie Lee died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and progressive lung disease that causes scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue. The exact cause of IPF is unknown, but it may be triggered by environmental factors, genetic mutations, or autoimmune disorders. IPF affects the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and weight loss. There is no cure for IPF, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years.
Amanda Huber revealed that her husband was hospitalized in October 2020, after experiencing difficulty breathing. He was treated at the Mayo Clinic, where he received the best possible care and support from the doctors and nurses. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away on December 26, 2020. She also stated that his death was not related to COVID-19, and thanked AEW for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.
How did the wrestling world react to Brodie Lee’s death?
Brodie Lee’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his colleagues, friends, and fans in the wrestling industry. Many wrestlers shared their memories and stories of working with him, praising his talent, humor, and generosity. They also expressed their condolences and support to his family, especially his wife and two young sons, Brodie Jr. and Nolan. AEW dedicated a special episode of Dynamite to Brodie Lee, featuring matches and segments involving his friends and fellow Dark Order members. The show ended with a video package highlighting his career and life, followed by a 10-bell salute and a tribute from AEW president Tony Khan, who presented Brodie Jr. with the TNT Championship belt and declared him the champion for life.
Brodie Lee was a wrestling star who left a lasting impact on the industry and the fans. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend, who touched many lives with his kindness and passion. He will be remembered as a fierce and captivating performer, a thoughtful mentor, and a very kind soul. Rest in peace, Brodie Lee. You will be missed.
