By Mariah Rush, The Charlotte Observer (TNS)
Adalia Rose Williams, a Texas teen YouTuber with a rare rapid aging condition, has died, according to posts on her social media accounts. She was 15 years old.
Williams boasted millions of followers across platforms, including 2.9 million YouTube followers, who watched her funny videos, makeup tutorials and life updates.
She was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome at 3 months old, her mother told The New Zealand Herald back in 2018.
“We don’t even really say the word ‘progeria’ very often, we just treat her like a normal 11-year-old and try to give her the best life,” her father said at the time.
The teen’s videos, from ones of her dancing and singing to ones of her doing her mom’s makeup, inspired millions.
“She came into it quietly and left quietly, but her life was far from it,” a Facebook post said. “She touched MILLIONS of people and left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her.”
Williams died on Jan. 12, the post said. Her family recently moved to San Antonio from Austin.
“She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves,” the post continued. “I really wish this wasn’t our reality but unfortunately it is.”
The average life expectancy for a child with progeria, which is a genetic condition that causes the child to age rapidly, is 13 years old.
Williams began posting YouTube videos in 2012, where she documented her bubbly personality and zest for life. She racked up nearly 340 million views on her videos.
In the last Instagram post before she died, the teen showcased her lively personality when she dressed up as Clueless character Cher with the caption, “AS IF!”
“We want to say thank you to everyone that loved and supported her,” the Facebook post said. “Thank you to all her doctors and nurses that worked for YEARS to keep her healthy.”
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