Well-known and well-loved YouTube influencer Adalia Rose Williams breathed her last this past Wednesday. Candid about her life with a rare genetic condition known as progeria on social media, Williams was 15. "She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves," a touching statement on the young star's page read.
"She came into it 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," it further said on a Facebook post made January 13, a day after Williams' demise. Thanking the medical fraternity for supporting Williams, the family requested privacy to mourn the loss.
Williams' death comes as a heartbreaking update for fans across the world who were taken by the girl's endearing, upbeat personality, even in the face of the disease she battled.
Suggested Reading: Marital Rape: Why Are Indian Wives Still Denied The Power Of Consent?
Progeria, also called Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome or the 'Benjamin Button' condition, taking from a namesake film and novel, causes the appearance and functions of a person to age faster than usual. Owing to complications that develop during their growth phase, people born with progeria are commonly not able to live beyond a couple of decades at the most.
Williams was diagnosed with progeria at three months old. Despite life having sealed her fate almost immediately after her birth, Williams grew to be a joyful force of nature adored by people across the internet. With over 2.9 million subscribers, her YouTube channel created in 2012, in her own words, was a place where she would "make you laugh."
Suggested Reading: Of Lehengas And Festivals: Sex And The City’s Clunky Attempt At Cultural Diversity
From offering expert makeup advice, such as how to apply winged eyeliner, to vlogging her daily life packed with humour and family time, Williams in her time as an influencer created a global community that was all fun and sunshine. The outpouring of grief on social media is testament to her popularity.
"My heart is actually broken…. Adalia Rose Williams you are so so loved and I am so sorry you had to leave so soon. 15 years old……fly high Angel.. my prayers and thoughts are with the family," one condolence tweet read. "This is another Heartbreaker. I followed her while I was on Facebook. Such a beautiful young lady. Fly high Adalia, fly high," read another. "rest in peace Adalia Rose Williams :(( she was so amazing and i loved her content... i'm genuinely so upset," one user wrote.