She had over 269,000 followers
South African TikTok star Beandri Booysen, who suffered from an extremely rare incurable disease that saw her age eight years for every one year has died aged 19.
Beandri from Pretoria, South Africa, was not expected to live past 14 but refused to give in to her condition and became an internet sensation with over 269,000 followers.
Two months before, the teenager who weighed just 12 kilos underwent open heart surgery and was hoping to spend Christmas with her family.
Beandri was born with the genetic mutation Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome which causes fast ageing in children combined with Osteoporosis which makes bones brittle.
Only one in 4 million babies are born with the incurable defect. Beandri was just one of 200 known sufferers in the world and the last in South Africa.
She had been close friends with fellow sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse who died last year from the mutation aged 18.
Her mother Bea confirmed the sad news on her daughter’s Facebook page saying she had ‘lost her battle’ and thanked her fans worldwide for ‘loving her deeply’.
She said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspiring young women who always radiated hope and joy.
“Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Africa living with the rare genetic condition Progeria.
“She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs children using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide. She never stopped fighting.”
Beandri had hopes of becoming a teacher when she was older and have children of her own.
In her short life she made it her mission to raise awareness of the condition and other special needs individuals.
She said in an interview earlier this year: “I have a large TikTok presence to try and inspire and motivate those who follow me and keep them positive every single day.
“My goal is to raise awareness about other special needs individuals and show that everyone is different and unique in their own away and to give strength if I can.”
She leaves behind her parents and brothers Jaco, 23, Herman, 21, and Ruben, 14.
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