Tributes have been pouring in for former Masterchef Junior contestant Ben Watkins, who has passed away at the age of 14.
As reported by Fox News, the young chef died in a Chicago Children's hospital on Monday (November 16) after a battle with Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma, a rare illness that only six people in the world have been diagnosed with.
Ben appeared on the sixth season of the popular cooking competition show when he was 11 years old, and placed in the top 18. His family describes him as a "fan favorite".
Watch Ben doing what he loved on the show below:Writing on his GoFundMe page, Ben's family adds: "Our Ben went home to be with his mother this afternoon after a year-and-a-half-long battle with Cancer.
"After losing both of his parents in September 2017, we have marveled at Ben’s strength, courage, and love for life. He never, ever complained.
"Ben was and will always be the strongest person we know.
The statement adds: "Ben suffered more than his share in his fourteen years on this Earth but we take solace in that his suffering is finally over and in that, in the end, Ben knew he was loved by so many."
Speaking to Fox News, the family's attorney Trent A. McCain said that Ben was cared for by his uncle following his parent's murder-suicide in 2017.
Following the news of his passing, Masterchef Junior host Gordon Ramsay shared a touching tribute to the young chef.
Writing alongside a picture of Ben, Ramsay tweeted: "We lost a Master of the @MasterChefJrFOX kitchen today.
"Ben you were an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man. Your young life had so many tough turns but you always persevered. Sending all the love to Ben Watkins’ family with this terrible loss Gx"
The official Masterchef Junior Twitter page also shared a tribute to Ben, writing: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Ben Watkins, a beloved member of the MasterChef Junior family. Ben overcame so much in his life with a remarkably positive attitude."
Our thoughts are with Ben's family, friends, and fans at this time.
