RIP Katy Collins — MMA Fighter Dies At 32
Rest in Peace.
Written on Oct 21, 2019
Facebook How did Katy Collins die? The MMA world is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Katy Collins, the former professional fighter who recently passed away after suffering from a fatal brain aneurysm. The scrappy and talented athlete was only 32 years old, leaving behind fans and loved ones who view her as "a beautiful and kind soul," "a staple of the MMA fighter community" and "an amazing woman."
Those in her inner circle will never forget her legacy; and those out of the loop should remember her, too. Keep reading for all the details on her legendary career, beautiful personality, and unfortunate passing.
1. Collins has an incredible legacy as a three-fight Bellator veteran.
Collins cemented a notable career in the MMA world. For context, Bellator MMA is one of the largest MMA promoters in the world and is owned and operated as a subsidiary of Viacom. The esteemed organization attracts and features top-performing athletes in combat sports, like Collins. Collins began as an amateur in August 2011 and turned professional in May 2015. That year, she won her debut by first-round knockout under the Branson Brawl banner. With Bellator, Collins went 2-1 in three fights, defeating industry greats including Michelle Royer and Bruna Vargas. Sources say she last fought in June 2018 in LFA 42.
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2. Katy Collins’ death on September 25 came five days after she suffered a brain aneurysm.
In the case of Katy Collins, the consequences of a brain aneurysm can be deadly. By definition, a brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, which can cause serious damage if it bursts. A ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment, which Collins received at a hospital before passing away.
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3. A GoFundMe has been set up to pay for medical expenses resulting from the aneurysm.
Organized by Sarah Jones, the GoFundMe page describes Collins as “a loving, caring, selfless individual with a huge heart,” while also including the following plea: “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.” The organizer has since updated the posting after Collins’ untimely death; and as of now, $4,620 has been donated in her honor.
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4. Collins was in a loving relationship at the time of her death.
According to her personal Facebook page, Collins was in a relationship with a man named Keith Harris. Just before her passing, she and her beau were pictured enjoying a concert by the heavy metal band Saliva in Branson, Missouri.
5. Many have paid their respects on social media.
Friends, family, and fans are grieving the devastating loss on social media, posting poignant tributes in remembrance of her accomplished life. Her former coach, JT Tilley, took to Facebook to share his respects, saying: “I’ve always been so proud of you Katie. We did it. I was honored to be able to live your dream with you. I will miss you more than the world will ever know.” Among others, MMA veteran Heather Hardy sent her condolences on Twitter.
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6. Her nickname
Collins was known as 'The Red Dragon' in the MMA community. Her entire fight record is available here.
7. Collins is survived by her two sons.
Along with her coveted career, Collins was regarded as a loving and caring mother, who leaves behind her two sons. On the GoFundMe Page, Sarah Jones writes, “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.”
Rest Peacefully, Katy Collins. You will be terribly missed.
Dominique is an unapologetic Scorpio (BIG co-star girl), reality TV loving heathen, and twentysomething, NYC-based writer with a moderately interesting life, knack for editing, and passion for content creation. Though no one asked, all opinions and words are her own and authentic— topics ranging from fashion and food, to beauty, lifestyle, music and everything in between.