Shock death of beloved food influencer and mom of two leaves internet reeling

The sudden death of a beloved food influencer has shocked the internet after it was revealed that she lost her life due to complications from surgery.

Rebecca Wylie Simms, a 39-year-old mother-of-two and the co-founder of the celebrity-loved cheese shop Lady & Larder, has drawn the attention of thousands through her lifestyle social media accounts dedicated to food, art and her family.

But it was revealed that the cherished influencer died in California on Monday after an operation.

'It is with profound sadness that I share the devastating loss of my twin sister and co-founder, Boo Simms, who tragically passed away this week due to a tragic surgery complication,' Sarah Simms Hendrix, Rebecca's sister, posted on their business's Instagram page on Monday.

'This loss is immeasurable and our hearts are completely shattered,' she said. 

'Boo was our magic maker, our color painter, and the brightest light I have ever known. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this overwhelmingly painful time.'

Rebecca, who was affectionately known as Boo to those closest to her, is survived by her partner Sean and their two young daughters, three-year-old Mavis and two-year-old Lou.

The exact cause of death has yet to be revealed.

'Rebecca was a beacon of light in the creative world,' a family friend told The Sun. 

Hundreds of friends and fans rushed to share their condolences after receiving the news.

One fan wrote in the comments: 'A loss so profound it is incomprehensible... Our lives will never be the same. The world is dim without her amazing light. Our girl Boo will be missed every single second of every single day.'

'Devastating. Her joy, creativity and generosity was and is widespread,' another person added. 'Wrapping my arms tightly around each of you.'

'I am shocked and devastated to read this. Lifting your family up in endless prayers as you navigate this impossibly devastating time,' said another.

Other influencers and business owners also took to the comments to express their sadness and love for the family. 

Busy Philipps, an actress who starred in Dawson's Creek, wrote: 'Oh Sarah. I'm so beyond sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family so much love.'

Loria Stern, an internet personality and the founder of a garden-to-table catering business, wrote: 'Omg Sarah, I'm so incredibly in shock and sad to hear this heartbreaking news.'

 'Boo was a stylish icon, incredible mom and such a sweetheart every time I saw her,' she added. 'I'm lighting a candle for her and your whole family.' 

Mandy Moore, an actor and singer-songwriter, added: 'Oh Sarah. This is beyond heartbreaking. We love you and your family so much. There are no words but holding you and her beautiful family in my heart.'

Mark Duplass, a filmmaker and star of The Morning Show, said: 'We lost Boo Simms. I didn't know her as well as some, but I know what it felt like to be inspired by her radical optimism and dedication to her community.'

'This is a deeply uncertain time for so many, and if Boo was here I think she would say you should gather some people you love, share some beautiful food and some new ideas,' he said.

'You should go out tomorrow and do what it’s in your power to make your community just a little bit better.'

Rebecca and Sara created their Santa Monica-based food-first business back in 2016 selling gourmet meats and cheeses.

Their business, Lady & Larder, offers monthly cheese club memberships, charcuterie boards for pickup or delivery and how-to classes.

The Santa Monica location proved to be so successful among celebrities that the pair went on to open a second location in Carmel Valley, roughly 320 miles away. 

The twins have since been featured as guests on podcasts and in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Southbay Magazine and Culture Magazine.

Lady & Larder's Instagram account has garnered more than 81,000 followers.

However, Sarah announced that she would be closing the doors to the Carmel Valley location in Monday's tribute, noting how it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

She began her journey through the food industry after studying at San Diego State University. 

In addition to being a successful California-based businesswoman, Rebecca was the creative director at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. 

Rebecca also had another Instagram account called Wylie West Creative where she shared her paintings, murals and DIY costumes.

The mother-of-two accumulated more than 15,000 followers between her personal and artistic accounts.  

Earlier this month, Simms celebrated the start of the New Year with a series of social media posts of her children on the beach, waiting to ring in 2025.

'My toast for 2025: may we remember to wake up and dance. Listen more. Linger longer. Make gratitude our aesthetic,' the post said.

'Go hard on the problem and soft on the person. Pick up the phone. Get our hands dirty. Mail more letters. Buy the hat. Sing louder. Surrender to the surprises. Go slowly. Follow what makes you feel. Be amazed by it all.'

It concluded: 'I looked back at my list of goals from 1/1/24 and 90 percent are still waiting to get crossed off. And that's okay.'

'This is an official reminder that goals rollover and don't expire. May we trust the process. Give grace to ourselves and others.'