The sudden death of a beloved food influencer has shocked the internet after it was revealed she lost her life due to complications during surgery.
Rebecca Wylie Simms, a 39-year-old mother of two and co-founder of famed cheese shop Lady & Larder, has captured the attention of thousands of people through her lifestyle social media accounts dedicated to food, art and her family.
But it was revealed that the beloved influencer died in California on Monday after undergoing surgery.
“It is with great 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 surgical complication,” Sarah Simms Hendrix, Rebecca's sister, posted on Instagram their company. 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 Wylie Simms, a 39-year-old mother of two and co-founder of famed cheese shop Lady & Larder, has died after complications from surgery
The death was revealed by Rebecca's twin sister and business partner Sarah Simms Hendrix
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 the beloved influencer's 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 express their condolences after receiving the news.
One fan wrote in the comments: 'A loss so deep it is incomprehensible… Our lives will never be the same. The world is dark without its amazing light. Our girl Boo will be missed every second of every day.”
'Devastating. Her joy, creativity and generosity were and are widespread,” another person added. 'I wrap my arms tightly around you.'
'I am shocked and devastated to read this. Lifting your family in endless prayers as you get through this impossibly devastating time,” said another.
Other influencers and entrepreneurs have also taken 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 sorry for your loss. Sending so much love to you and your family.”
Loria Stern, an internet personality and founder of a garden-to-table catering company, wrote: “Omg Sarah, I am so incredibly shocked and saddened to hear this heartbreaking news.”
The company offers monthly cheese club memberships, wine, charcuterie boards for pickup or delivery, and instructional classes
“Boo was a stylish icon, an amazing mother and such a sweetheart every time I saw her,” she added. “I'll light a candle for her and your entire 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 other words than to hold 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 very uncertain time for so many, and if Boo were here, I think she would say gather some people you love, share some good food and some new ideas,” he said.
“You need to go out tomorrow and do what you can to make your community a little bit better.”
Rebecca and Sara founded their food-first business in Santa Monica in 2016, selling gourmet meats and cheeses.
Their company, Lady & Larder, offers monthly cheese club memberships, charcuterie boards for pickup or delivery, and instructional classes.
The Santa Monica location proved so successful among celebrities that the couple went on to open a second location in Carmel Valley, about 320 miles away.
The twins have since appeared on podcasts and in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Southbay Magazine and Culture Magazine.
Lady & Larder's Instagram account has amassed more than 81,000 followers.
However, Sarah announced that she would be closing the doors of the Carmel Valley location during Monday's tribute, noting that it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
She began her journey into the food industry after attending San Diego State University.
In addition to being a successful businesswoman from California, Rebecca was also the creative director at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.
Rebecca also had an Instagram account called Wylie West Creative, where she shared her paintings, murals and DIY costumes.
The mother of two amassed 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 at the beach, waiting for 2025.
In addition to being a successful businesswoman from California, Rebecca was also the creative director at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
The twins have been featured on podcasts and in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Southbay Magazine and Culture Magazine for their craft.
Sarah says she's closing the doors of Lady & Larder's Carmel Valley location
'My toast to 2025: may we not forget to wake up and dance. Listen more. Stick around longer. Make gratitude our aesthetic,” the post said.
'Tack on the problem hard and the person softly. Pick up the phone. Getting our hands dirty. Mail more letters. Buy the hat. Sing louder. Surrender to the surprises. Go slow. Follow what you feel. Be surprised by all this.'
It concluded: 'I looked back at my goals list from 1/1/24 and 90 percent are still waiting to be crossed off. And that's okay.'
'This is an official reminder that goals continue and do not expire. May we trust the process. Give grace to ourselves and others.”
