Beandri Booysen’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of positivity. Despite facing a rare and heartbreaking illness, she radiated joy that touched thousands of lives. Now, tragically, her journey has come to an end—just days before Christmas.
Beandri passed away at just 19 years old, but her story will continue to inspire those who hear it.
Born in South Africa, Beandri was only seven months old when she was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, an incredibly rare genetic condition that causes the body to age eight times faster than normal.
The odds of being born with progeria are 1 in 4 million, and fewer than 400 children and young adults worldwide currently live with the condition. Doctors didn’t expect Beandri to survive beyond her early teens. But Beandri had other plans.
From the moment she could speak, Beandri refused to let her condition define her. She weighed just 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and bore the physical toll of the disease, but her spirit was limitless.
She attended school, dreamed of becoming a teacher, and even imagined a future where she’d marry and raise twins. She was determined to live like any other teenager, cherishing every moment.
On social media, Beandri found her voice. Her TikTok account, where she posted motivational videos and candid glimpses into her life, quickly gained nearly 300,000 followers.
Her motto,
Just weeks after celebrating her 19th birthday, Booysen faced a sudden health crisis.
”Please pray. Beandri’s heart stopped,” her mother, Bea, shared on Wednesday. “They are trying to get her heart to beat again. Please pray.”
On December 18, Beandri’s mother shared that her daughter had died.
Her message, filled with both sorrow and pride, described Beandri as a “vibrant personality” and the “last surviving person in South Africa with progeria.”
“She was a voice and a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs,” Bea wrote. “She never stopped fighting.”
Tributes quickly began flooding TikTok as news of her passing spread.
Many others expressed their heartbreak, offering heartfelt condolences to Beandri’s family and loved ones.
Beandri’s life was far too short, but she used her time on this earth to remind us all of what truly matters. She taught us to live fully, to love fiercely, and to appreciate the beauty in every day. Her infectious laugh, her fearless optimism, and her determination to help others will never be forgotten.
Although her family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, one thing is certain: Beandri’s light will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.
As we hold her story close, let it be a reminder to treasure the moments we have and to live with the same bravery and joy that Beandri did every single day.
The world boxing pro Ricky Hatton has tragically been found dead at his home.
Cops have reportedly confirmed in a statement today (Sunday, September 14) that legendary former world boxing champion Hatton has died at the age of 46.
Greater Manchester Police were called to Hatton’s home in Gree Cross, Hyde, in the UK, following a call from a neighbor.
The force stated a body was found at the scene, but the death is ‘not being treated as suspicious’.
The tragic news comes as the boxer announced only in July this year that he was coming out of retirement to return to the ring for a fight this coming December.
It would have been his first bout in 13 years.
During the peak of his career in 1997 to 2012, the British fighter nicknamed ‘The Hitman’ took home several trophies and broke records in both the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
His lifetime record boasted 45-3, including championships and 43 consecutive wins before suffering losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 as well as Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko.
Hatton has been candid in his retirement about his mental health struggles, including depression and problems with alcohol and drugs.
Back in 2016, he told BBC radio: “I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train.”
However, he had been in training for his big comeback to the sport he loved in anticipation of his fight against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2.
Tributes have since been flooding in for the icon, with former boxer Amir Khan one of the first to tip his hat.
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” he said, as per Sky News.
“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong – we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.”
Khan continued: “Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.
“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.”
British boxer Tyson Fury has also weighed in, posting on Instagram that there will ‘only ever be one Ricky Hatton’.
“Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he RIP.
“Can’t believe this so young.”
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.
“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Ricky is survived by his three children, Campbell, 24, Millie, 13 and Fearne, 12.