MasterChef Junior Star Ben Watkins Has Died At Just 14 Years Old

Ben Watkins, a contestant from America's MasterChef Junior, has tragically died after a battle with cancer.

The 14-year-old, who appeared on the sixth season of the competitive children's cooking show, battled the disease for a year and a half before he passed.

A statement has been released via the family's attorney, Trent McCain, which confirmed the devastating news.

The message was written on behalf of Ben's grandmother and uncle, Donna Edwards and Anthony Edwards, and it said: "After losing both his parents in September 2017, we have marveled at Ben's strength, courage and love for life.

"He never, ever complained. Ben was and will always be the strongest person we know."

His parents died in 2017 in a tragic murder-suicide.

The statement continued: "When Ben's rare illness was shared with the world, he was so heartened by the outpouring of love he received from every corner of the globe - especially here in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. We cannot thank this community enough for holding our family up in prayer and for all that you've done.

"Ben suffered more than his share in his fourteen years on this Earth, but we take solace in that his suffering is finally over and in that, in the end, Ben knew he was loved by so many."

Ben was diagnosed with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, which is an incredibly rare soft tissue tumor that has affected only six people.

A GoFundMe that was set up for Ben after his parents died has been reorganised in the wake of his death. It has raised nearly $200,000 and many have given generously, noting the teen's kind soul.

One donor wrote: "Ben was a tremendous role model for chefs of all ages and will be dearly missed by everyone in the MasterChef family."

Another added: "My heart breaks for this sweet boy's family. I watched him on masterchef junior and he was one of my favorites. I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you sweet Ben now you can rest with your mom. I'm praying for everyone that loved him."

A third said: "He was my favorite in the show. Hard but great story."

RIP Ben, gone way too soon.

Featured Image Credit: FOX Broadcasting

Topics: News

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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