Former MMA fighter Katy Collins has died aged 32 after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Mum-of-two Collins died on Wednesday after suffering complications following an aneurysm last Friday.
She was described by friends who set up a GoFundMe page as “young and strong and full of life and love” and “a loving, caring, selfless individual with a huge heart”.
Collins, who had a 7-5 record over three years competing in MMA, was known by the nickname ‘The Red Dragon’, and fought in MMA promotions Bellator, RFA, LFA and Invicta.
She exploded onto the mixed martial arts scene with six wins in her first seven fights from 2015, including three technical-knockout victories and three submissions.
(Image: Facebook)
Before that, she had competed as an amateur since 2011.
She is survived by her two young sons.
The news of her death was confirmed by her trainer JT Collins, who said on Facebook : “The fight is over. You never stopped fighting and we never gave up on you. Just wasn’t in the cards.
“I’ve always been so proud of you Kate. We did it. I was honored to be able to live your dream with you. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I will miss you more than the world will ever know.”
(Image: Facebook)
Collins, from Arkansas, suffered an aneurysm at the weekend, according to Heavy . The website said that caused a stroke and subsequent seizures.
She died on Wednesday.
The GoFundMe page had been set up before her death to help with medical expenses.
(Image: Facebook)
It read: “Everyone knows Katy Collins as a fighter but right now she is fighting for her life.
“Katy had a brain aneurysm Friday September 20th and she will have a long road to recovery ahead of her. If anyone knows Katy, you would know she is a loving, caring, selfless individual with a huge heart.
“Right now she needs help to make it through the next few months with personal and medical expenses piling on. Please, friends family and loved ones… any help at all is appreciated for our friend right now. She needs us all. Thank you.”
(Image: Facebook)
Following her tragic death, the page was updated with this post: “Katy Collins fought as hard as she could. On September 25th, Katy peacefully left this Earth.
“She leaves behind so many loved ones, family and friends who care so much for her. Katy leaves behind two young sons, who will struggle to understand this, like many of us.
“Katy was young and strong and full of life and love. Her family will need all the help they can with funeral and medical costs. Any help at all is so appreciated. I know that Katy would have been happier than EVER knowing how much her friends have helped her.”
So far the page has raised $2,904 towards a goal of $10,000.
