Beandri Booysen, South African TikTok star, passed away at 19 after battling progeria, a rare disease that caused her to age prematurely.
Beandri Booysen, South African TikTok star known for her inspiring videos on social media, passed away at 19 after a battle with progeria, a rare disease that caused her to age prematurely.
Just two months ago, the teenager underwent open-heart surgery and was determined to enjoy Christmas with her parents, but on Wednesday, December 18, Bea Booysen, Beandri’s mother, announced her daughter’s death in a post on Facebook.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of the most beloved and inspiring young people in South Africa,” wrote her father. “Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and contagious laugh but also as the last known survivor in South Africa living with this rare genetic condition.”
“Despite the challenges she faced, Beandri radiated hope and joy for life,” added her mother. “She became a symbol of awareness for progeria and other children with special needs, using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people around the world. She never stopped fighting.”
Beandri was popular on TikTok, where she frequently posted inspiring videos and wanted to raise awareness about her disease; some of her most popular clips showed her lip-syncing to pop hits, wearing a blonde wig, which charmed her more than 260,000 followers.
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by rapid and dramatic aging. Only one in four million babies is born with this incurable condition, and Beandri was one of only 200 known carriers worldwide.
In an interview earlier this year, she said: “I have a big presence on TikTok to try to inspire and motivate those who follow me and keep them positive every day. My goal is to raise awareness for other people with special needs and show that everyone is different and unique in their own way, and give strength if I can.”
Photo: TikTok @bb_unique_2005. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
