Nick Jonas pays tribute to 'sister' as close friend dies from rare illness

Nick Jonas paid a heartfelt tribute to his childhood friend Maya Kibbel after she died as a result of a rare illness.

Jonas described her as his ‘sister’ and offered his support to her mom as she announced the news.

Maya Kibbel and the Jonas family go way back

Maya Kibbel was described in a 2018 article as Nick Jonas’ ‘childhood BFF’ and the pair were pictured together in Tokyo.

“Reunited and it feels so good,” read the caption of that photograph.

The Jonas brothers reportedly met as children in New York, and she became fast friends with Nick as he was closest to her in age.

It has also been reported that the Jonas family helped her through the loss of her father.

Maya was a photographer, and had spoken about how she got into her career, but also her battle against Wilson’s disease, a rare condition that causes copper to accumulate in the liver and brain.

The disease is usually treated over a patient’s life, but can also become fatal.

Announcing the sad news, Maya’s mom Kiyoko Kibbel wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I have to post this sad news.

“Maya had been suffering from a rare disease called Wilson’s disease.

“She fought hard but her body gave out.

“Early on 3/7, she collapsed and her heart and lungs stopped working. “It was too late and she passed away in the ER.

“She had suffered so much that often she would cry herself to sleep due to her pain.

“But now she has entered into Heaven where she can be with her daddy with no more pain or tears.”

The statement continued: “Those of you who knew her and can’t believe she is gone, please know she is in the best place ever!

“I know she is watching over all of you from up above.

“Thank you to all those who loved and cared for her while she was still here.

“As her mom of 30 years, I miss her terribly and am heartbroken.

“My comfort is knowing she is no longer suffering. Love and prayers to you all!”

Nick Jonas pays tribute to ‘sister’

Maya’s mom’s post was flooded with tributes, including one from Nick Jonas, who wrote: “My sister forever. Here for you always @coach_kibbel”.

Just months ago, Maya had shared a health update, posting pictures of herself in hospital clothing, writing about how living with her condition was a ‘rollercoaster’ and how chronic illness is ‘not a joke’.

However, she said: “I am beyond grateful for the support of friends.”

In one inspiring post from almost a year ago, she wrote: “When I say ‘invisible’ illness, I’m talking about my Wilson’s disease journey, that doctors themselves are confused about, as my tests would be great/bad/great/bad, until it was frightening.

“I hope my case helps someone, someday.”

That picture was captioned: “Enjoy life, be safe, keep your [health].

“Yo never know what happens in life.

“I lived my life to the fullest because I felt my ‘invisible’ illness.

“I hope my dear ones can understand now.”