The social media star, who lived with a rare genetic condition known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, 'is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves.'
- Jan 14, 2022
AceShowbiz - Adalia Rose Williams has passed away. The YouTube star, who was diagnosed as a baby with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, also known as the "Benjamin Button" disease, died at the age of 15.
Announcing the heartbreaking news was her family via her Facebook and Instagram pages on Thursday, January 13. "January 12, 2022 at 7pm Adalia Rose Williams was set free from this world," the statement read. "She came into [life] quietly and left quietly, but her life was far from it."
"She touched MILLIONS of people and left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her, " read the heartbreaking Facebook post, which has received nearly 800,000 reactions and 100,000 shares. "She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves."
Adalia's mom, who penned the statement, added, "I really wish this wasn't our reality but unfortunately it is." She then further thanked Adalia's loyal fans and followers that "love and supported her" and "all her doctors and nurses that worked for YEARS to keep her healthy," before asking for privacy as the family mourned her loss.
Thousands of fans and followers sent their condolences to Adalia's family, including designer Michael Costello, who made a pair of custom made dresses for Adalia in honor of her 13th birthday in 2019. "My heart is broken," Michael captioned a collection of videos of the fashion-loving teen on Instagram. "I am at a loss for words and cannot stop crying. Adalia has been so special to every single person that she met. She was an angel."
"Despite the cards she was dealt with, she had the most positive attitude and such big dreams of helping everyone around her," Michael added. He continued, "I love you so much Adalia… Words cannot convey how much you've changed my life. I will miss you dearly, friend, and I promise to cherish all the wonderful memories we've had together."
As for Adalia's fans, many hope that she "rests in peace." One follower wrote, "I loved her so much. She has been an inspiration to many and has touched millions of lives." Another penned, "What a beautiful bright light she was and will continue to be through all the lives she touched." Meanwhile, one person praised Adelia as the one who "taught us how to live without limitations."
Adalia's sudden passing came just three weeks after she revealed that she lost her hearing. On December 19, Adalia shared a video via Instagram, in which her mom said that Adalia lst her hearing "about three months ago" as she "got really sick."
According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD), "Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), is a rare, fatal, genetic condition of childhood with striking features resembling premature aging." The organization stated that there are only around 400 children in the world living with progeria at any given time.
