Beandri Booysen, a teenage girl who radiated an undeniable “hope and joy” for life despite suffering from an extremely rare aging disease, passed away just days before Christmas. She was 19 years old.

Diagnosed at seven months old with Progeria — also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome — Beandri was not expected to live past the age of 14, as her condition forced her to age eight times faster than the average human.

But in her nearly two decades of life, her heartwarming content on social media inspired thousands of viewers online.A teenage girl, who suffered from a condition that caused her body to age prematurely, has sadly passed away
Image credits: Bea Booysen

On Wednesday, December 18, her mother, Bea Booysene, confirmed the news on her daughter’s Facebook page titled “In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen.”

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” Bea wrote in a text now translated into English.

“Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh, but was also the last surviving person in South Africa to live with Progeria.”