AEW Wrestler Jon Huber aka Brodie Lee (Luke Harper) Has Passed Away at Age 41
It is with great sadness that I share the news that many of you may have already heard by now: professional wrestler Jon Huber has passed away at the age of 41. You may know him as Brodie Lee in AEW/indies or Luke Harper in WWE. Huber was married with two young sons (Brodie and Nolan) and is being remembered by his family, friends and loved ones for being a devoted family man.
The news of his death was shared by All Elite Wrestling, which is where Jon worked as Brodie Lee, the leader of the Dark Order that was a former TNT Champion.
#RipBrodieLeepic.twitter.com/wBdvPO5F9Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 27, 2020
Jon’s wife Manda wrote about her husband on Instagram tonight.
As you can see from Manda’s words, he died of a non-Covid related lung issue. Jon was off television for several months and it wasn’t known what was wrong with him. It is understandable that the family kept it a private matter. It’s just heartbreaking to know he passed away from whatever he was dealing with.
When I read Manda’s words the first time I cried. I didn’t know Jon, but I’ve been a fan of his a pro wrestler for over a decade and I know how much he cared for his family and wanted to provide for them as best he could
When Jon turned 41 years old last week, she shared photos of him where you can see how much he loved his family.
TJR Thoughts: I have some thoughts of my own that I wanted to share. He just turned 41 years old on December 16. I didn’t know he was sick. There were whispers about something being wrong with him, but when it comes to wrestlers we usually just assume it’s an injury, not a health issue. I didn’t know him. I think we interacted a few times on Twitter because he’s a big Toronto Maple Leafs fan (that’s NHL for those that don’t know hockey) even though he grew up in Rochester, which was near Buffalo. He would tweet about the Leafs sometimes, so I think we exchanged pleasantries about that over the last decade or so, but I didn’t know him. I do know other wrestlers that when I texted them about him, they all said that he was one of the best guys they knew and they all mentioned how much he would talk about his family. His wife and two sons were his life. He did everything for them.
When I think of him as a wrestler, the word “underrated” comes to mind, but I think “underutilized” is better in this case. I think he had the potential to be so much more in WWE even though he did have a lot of success as a multiple-time Tag Team Champion and a quick run with the Intercontinental Championship as well. I just wish he got more of a singles run in WWE because I think he could have been a main event talent. When he got to AEW, I was so excited for him and even though I didn’t love the Vince McMahon parody skits at first, I loved the way he was booked. Brodie Lee was a big-time star in AEW that challenged for the AEW World Title, won that TNT TItle in dominant fashion and then put over Cody clean in the return match. Most importantly, it looked like Jon/Brodie was enjoying himself. That’s what mattered the most. And now he’s gone far too early. It breaks my heart thinking about it.
That’s all from me for now. I can probably write more another day and maybe I will. I’m still shocked by the whole thing. I can’t imagine what his family feels. Wishing all the best to Manda and her two sons. God bless the Huber family. I hope they can find the strength to get through this.
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There have been a lot of tributes on social media from Jon’s friends in the wrestling business. I’ll update this post with many of those posts as well.
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 is saddened to learn that Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper, passed away today at age 41. WWE extends its condolences to Huber’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/hZnBguE4Mj
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2020
Thank You pic.twitter.com/gbBD49IwDH
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) 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
Amazing talent ….
Better human being, husband and father. https://t.co/wc2080Ziar— Triple H (@TripleH) December 27, 2020
It’s Saturday. You know what that means…
Backstage in Mexico in 2015. Brodie was annoyed that he didn’t have his own merch t-shirt, so one of the brothers got a bunch made in his honor. We all wore them in tribute to the dude, cause everybody loved him. Just a wonderful man! pic.twitter.com/6XXl8Kr6iW— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) December 27, 2020
I love you and I miss you #RIPBrodieLee
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) December 27, 2020
I consider myself lucky to have shared the ring, the car for long rides from town to town, and to have been around his wife and children. This one hurts in so many ways. The world lost a wonderful person today. pic.twitter.com/v52h15fDFy
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) 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
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
This was my Bday, which I share with Doc. Brodie & Miro photobombed us & we all shared a great laugh.
I’m shattered over Brodie’s passing. He was full of life with a wife & young children he loved. A devastating reminder of how fragile life is. Rest well, friend.#RIPBrodieLeepic.twitter.com/3p5BH18YIr
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) December 27, 2020
The world has lost a great one.
One of the absolute best.
In every way. #RIPBrodieLee
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) 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
I just heard the news about the death of Jon Huber…an awful day for wrestling fans. Just two years ago, my son Hughie dressed up as Luke Harper for Halloween. He was a great worker, and a doting father. A huge loss for everyone who loves wrestling. https://t.co/E94sdqmiMB
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) December 27, 2020
I spent a couple of afternoons explaining to Jon about how I threw a clothesline, he was a sponge when it came to the business, I enjoyed it more than he did-more importantly, he was a good man. RIP friend. https://t.co/McaVXiy2uq
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) December 27, 2020
The thing I remember about Luke was how respectful he was. On several occasions he destroyed our announce table but when he was done, my phone was untouched, my notes and run sheets undisturbed and my monitor intact. Then he would look back and give me a wink! RIP Luke pic.twitter.com/OONHG3w0dN
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) December 27, 2020
Thank you for being one of the greatest humans ever, @ThisBrodieLee
My sons always loved seeing you and lil Brodie..
Love you my dude. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zOSTYB8nJo— Karl Anderson (@MachineGunKA) December 27, 2020
Jon was an awesome human being. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. A great man and even better husband & father. There are so many broken hearts tonight. Thank you for the great memories brother. #RipBrodieLee
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) December 27, 2020
Brodie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ywNViwNVnz
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1343037496670633984
友達が亡くなるのは辛い、本当に。
ハーパーの冥福を祈る。absolutely my heart is broken… I love you, my friend. #RipBrodieLeepic.twitter.com/CmA7S0z3k6— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) December 27, 2020
I don’t have the words. #RIPBrodieLee May God send his beautiful family as much strength as possible.
— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) December 27, 2020
I’m in shock. My mind’s being flooded with so many laughter-filled conversations we had about fatherhood. Getting our wives & kids together was always a top highlight of Wrestlemania. The world lost a wonderful husband, amazing father & tremendous human being today.#RIPJonHuber
— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) December 27, 2020
I was literally just thinking of that night 5 minutes ago. One of the rare times I had the chance to share a ring with him.
What an immeasurable loss.
He will be so missed. https://t.co/yh548ETGqI
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) December 27, 2020
Our entire brotherhood and industry mourns tonight. In addition to his incredible passion and talent, Jon was above all else, a great man, who loved his family more than words can say. Please keep them in your thoughts. I’ll see you down the road, brother ♥️ #RIPBrodieLeepic.twitter.com/DvTNr3Vo4g
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) December 27, 2020
I’ll wrap it up there. Rest easy, Jon Huber. You will be missed.