Fourteen-year-old Ben Watkins, a “masterchef junior” rival, has died after battling cancer for two years, his family announced this week.
Watkins was diagnosed with angiomet id fibrous histiocytoma after his 13th birthday last September, according to a GoFundMe page #Love4Ben Memorial Fund An angiomatous fibrous histiocytoma is a rare soft tissue tumor commonly found in children and young adults, and Watkins was treating it at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
A statement from Watkins’ grandmother and uncle was on the GoFundMe page on Monday.
“Masterchef Jr.” / Fox
“After losing both of his parents in September 2017, we are amazed at Ben’s strength, courage and love of life. He never complained,” read a statement from Waktkins’ mama and uncle, Donna and Anthony Edwards. “Ben will always be and will be the strongest person we know.”
“When Ben’s rare illness was shared with the world, he was overjoyed with the love he received from every corner of the globe – especially here in his hometown of Gary, Indiana.” “Ben had to endure more than his share in his fourteen years on this earth but we rest assured that his suffering was finally over, and finally, Ben knew he was loved by many.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Vaktins’ parents were killed in a suicide in 2017. According to the Tribune, his father, Michael Watkins, shot and killed the boy’s mother, Leela Edwards, and then took his own life, according to the Tribune.
The Chicago Tribune reports that after the death of his parents, residents of the Watkins school and community created an educational trust fund for him.
At the time, Watkins spoke with the publication about his love of baking. He sold home-made baked goods at his father’s restaurant and said his mom taught him everything she knew.
The aspiring chef told the Tribune that he loves math and science and would also like to be an engineer. “It’s more reliable than being a chef,” Watkins said.
The GoFundMe page for Watkins was created after the death of his parents. “Thanks to the generosity of many, we were able to establish a trust fund of approximately 30 30,000 at People’s Bank in Munster, Indiana.” The trust was to help Watkins continue his education in culinary arts or engineering.
Watkins appeared on the sixth season of “Masterchef Jr.” when he was just 11 years old, according to a fundraiser that reached nearly 200 200,000 in donations.
Endemolshine North America, which produces “Masterchef” and Fox Entertainment, which broadcasts it, issued a statement after Watkins’ death.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Ben Watkins, a dear member of Masterchef Jr. The family, “said in a statement received by CBS News.” Ben won a lot with a significant positive attitude in his life. She was a terrific role model for chefs of all ages and will be greatly missed by everyone at Endemolshine North America and Fox Entertainment. “
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