Ben Watkins
lost the battle against fibrous angiomatoid histiocytoma, a cancerous tumor that only affects six people worldwide.
The boy, who participated in the sixth season of '
MasterChef Junior
', was just 14 years old.
At the time of his death, the little cook was surrounded by his loved ones and his immense collection of Marvel Comics, according to the 'Chicago Tribune'.
"Ben, you know your life has the beginnings of a real-life Marvel Comics character," his uncle and legal guardian, Anthony Edwards, told the outlet.
"We prayed for a different outcome. But Ben's lungs could no longer provide the air he needed to breathe. It is devastating," shared the boy's family member.
Through a GoFundMe page, which was opened this year, it was explained that Ben was diagnosed with the white tissue tumor that usually occurs in children and young adults.
Before participating in 'MasterChef Junior', Ben was orphaned, as his parents died in a tragic case of family violence, classified as murder-suicide.
When Watkins competed in the sixth season of the
Gordon Ramsay-
hosted show
, the boy was 11 years old, and he ranked in the
top 18
.
On Instagram, the famous British chef dedicated a few emotional words to the late aspiring pastry chef.
"Ben, you were an incredibly talented cook and an even stronger little man. Your young life took many turns, but you always persevered. I loved our time together cooking and laughing on set. Today I am heartbroken over losing my little friend, I send all my love to the Ben Watkins family for their terrible loss, Ramsay said.
Similarly, the production of the FOX program issued a message on social networks to say goodbye to the "beloved member of the 'MasterChef Junior family".
"Ben got through a lot in his life with an outstanding positive attitude. He was a tremendous role model for cooks of all ages and he will be deeply missed by everyone at EndemolShine North America and FOX Entertainment."
Rest in peace.
IN VIDEO: Actors who sadly died very young
Actors who sadly died very young
July 11, 201901: 12