Ben Watkins, a contestant from America’s MasterChef Junior, has tragically passed away after a battle with a very rare type of cancer.
Watkins, who was just 14, appeared on the 6th season of the MasterChef Junior, which is a competitive children’s cooking show.
He battled cancer for 1 year and 6 months before passing away.
Trent McCain, the attorney of the family, confirmed the devastating news through a statement.
The statement that Trent released was written on behalf of Donna Edwards and Anthony Edwards, the grandmother, and uncle of Ben.
The statement 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. 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.
The parents of Ben passed away in 2017 in a tragic murder-suicide case.
Ben, who was just 14 when he passed away, was diagnosed with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma.
This type of soft tissue tumor is so rare that it has only affected 6 people in human history.
A page on GoFundMe that was initially set up for Ben after his parents passed away was reorganized after his death.
Over $197,000 have been raised so far.
The GoFundMe page has a goal of $300,000.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the boy, may his soul rest in peace.