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AEW Star Brodie Lee Dies At Age 41
Jonathan Huber, better known to wrestling fans as AEW star Brodie Lee has passed away at age 41.
His wife confirmed the news via Instagram Saturday evening, revealing he had been dealing with a non-Covid related lung issue.
My best friend died today.
I never wanted to write out those words. My heart is broken. The world saw him as the amazing @brodielee (fka Luke Harper) but he was my best friend, my husband, and the greatest father you would ever meet. No words can express the love I feel or how broken I am right now. He passed surrounded by love ones after a hard fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue. The @mayoclinic is literally the best team of doctors and nurses in the world who surrounded me with constant love.
On top of that, I can’t express my love and admiration for the way @allelitewrestling has treated not only my husband but myself and my kids. @margaret.stalvey @meghalegalgirl10 @americannightmarecody @thebrandirhodes @nickjacksonyb @mattjackson13 @kennyomegamanx @tonyrkhan and the rest of the team at AEW have helped keep me standing and pick up all the broken pieces.
I’ve been surrounded by so much love and incredible people I can’t tag them all but they know who they are and I don’t think they will ever know how thankful I am for them.
View this post on Instagram
All Elite Wrestling issued the following
#RipBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/wBdvPO5F9Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 27, 2020
AEW founder Tony Khan issued the following statement on Twitter.
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 & their sons Brodie + Nolan. He loved wrestling & was great at it, he loved you fans. Please keep him in your hearts.
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 & their sons Brodie + Nolan. He loved wrestling & was great at it, he loved you fans. Please keep him in your hearts.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) December 27, 2020
WWE fans remember Jonathan Huber as Luke Harper, a member of the Wyatt family. Harper signed a deal with WWE in 2012, making his debut for the NXT brand later that year.
During his time in WWE he captured the NXT Tag Team Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, and SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice.
He left WWE earlier this year, debuting for All Elite Wrestling over the summer as the leader of The Dark Order. During his time in AEW, he captured the TNT Championship.
WWE issued the following statement on Huber’s passing
WWE is saddened to learn that Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper, passed away today at age 41.
Known as both Luke Harper and Brodie Lee in the ring, Huber found success in every stop of his sports-entertainment career, as his soft spoken yet imposing presence helped him create countless awe-inspiring moments in the ring. After a highly decorated run on the independent circuit, Harper debuted in NXT as a menacing enforcer for The Wyatt Family. Harper had a dominant tag team run with Rowan that would lay the groundwork for future championship success.
As a member of The Wyatt Family, he engaged in heated rivalries with the likes of Kane, Daniel Bryan, The Shield, John Cena and The Usos. After being set free from the family, Harper authored an impressive singles run that culminated with him defeating Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. Harper & Rowan later comprised The Bludgeon Brothers and embarked on a path of destruction that was highlighted by a SmackDown Tag Team Title victory in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 34.
We offer our condolences to Jonathan Huber’s friends and family.
Wrestling World Reacts To Death Of Brodie Lee
The news shocked many in the wrestling world, including fans and his peers in the business. Several members of the wrestling business posted their memories on Twitter.
Amazing talent ….
Better human being, husband and father. https://t.co/wc2080Ziar— Triple H (@TripleH) December 27, 2020
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
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 27, 2020
When long trips away from home made me miss my wife and daughter, you always made it a little easier. Great wrestler, but perfect family man. I’ll make sure Amanda, Brodie and Nolan always know how much they meant to you. I loved being your friend. Rest In Peace, Jon. pic.twitter.com/wR5927Xlx1
— Uncle Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) December 27, 2020
Heartbroken. A great opponent and a great man…I will miss you Jon. #RIPBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/4i0NuSLkBO
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) December 27, 2020
I hope you all get to know someone like Jon. He was the biggest family man & someone who made me laugh daily. I’ll miss him every day for the rest of my life. I love you, Brodie, and I thank you so much for loving me.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) December 27, 2020
Every kind word you read about him is true.
Every person that says they loved him is genuine.
Everyone of us hurts.
And everyone of us is better for having had Jon in our lives.#RIPBrodieLee
— ecIII (@therealec3) December 27, 2020
Gutted to hear about Jon passing away. He saved me from a broken neck. He would get so mad when I pulled up a chair for him to sit in and referred to him as ‘Taker-sir.’
“You’re gonna get me heat, kid.”Condolences to his family and peers that loved him dearly. #RIPBrodieLee
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) December 27, 2020
#RIPBrodieLee absolutely heartbreaking. Sending prayers and love to his family ♥️
— Jessica McKay (@JessicaMcKay) December 27, 2020
It doesn’t feel real posting this…
This is one of my favorite pictures that I’ve never posted. #RipBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/uuRC0w2mHD
— Mr. Fun Size (@realmarkostunt) December 27, 2020
I meet Jon one year ago in Jacksonville. Love the dude right away, I could tell instantly that he was a STAR and more importantly a really good man who loved his wife and kids. My heart breaks for his family & friends during this very difficult time. 🙏 #RipBrodieLee https://t.co/6pJrCE8pFj
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/AllieWrestling/status/1343013683606204422?s=20
One of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Supportive, funny, humble and a wealth of knowledge, always willing to help the younger guys. Already so missed. All my love and prayers go out to his family. We’re all here for you 💔 #RIPBrodieLee https://t.co/E66bgEwP4j
— Kip Sabian 🏴☠️ (@TheKipSabian) December 27, 2020
This is beyond terrible.
Heartbreaking.
The time I spend with Brodie, he was always such an absolutely amazing person.
Love, prayers, and positive vibes to his family.
I’m so sorry for you loss.#RIPBrodieLee https://t.co/HMbsUpk1MT
— Death Machine (@TheSamiCallihan) December 27, 2020
Heartbreaking is an understatement. #RIPBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/4eEuvez6zw
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) December 27, 2020
The world has lost a great one.
One of the absolute best.
In every way. #RIPBrodieLee
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) December 27, 2020
I’m at a loss for words!!!!! #RestWellBrother pic.twitter.com/2w1w8lXsz9
— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) December 27, 2020
It’s hard to explain to people, and I’m not certain he would want me to, that the biggest, scariest man you’ll ever see on your television is the kindest soul you’d ever meet. A model of a husband and father, and proof that some people are too good for this earth. ♥️ https://t.co/jm6YKlRNBu
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) December 27, 2020
In utter disbelief hearing of the passing of Brodie Lee. I’m unable to process this. I can’t believe it.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) December 27, 2020
We love you Brodie.
— Matthew & Nicholas Jackson (@youngbucks) December 27, 2020
I don’t have the proper words right now but I do know that this dude will be missed by a lot of people. Always kind and respectful in my interactions with him. #RipBrodieLee https://t.co/FOeaD17eR3
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/sammyguevara/status/1343018898480836609?s=20
I am in disbelief. Always so kind. My heart goes out to his family #RIPBrodieLee https://t.co/ItHvB24QrZ
— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) December 27, 2020
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brodie Lee. We offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) December 27, 2020
Jon was genuinely one of the best, honest and kindest man I've ever known. He was like that the very first day I met him back in 2007 and was like that the very last day I saw him. I will always only have good memories of him.
I love you man.RIP: Mr Brodie Lee pic.twitter.com/zvCkN9STFs
— Stu Grayson (@stu_dos) December 27, 2020