Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters announced on Saturday, May 4, the passing of her sister Franje.
Franje, 13, had a rare condition called cerebellar agenesis, which means she was born without a cerebellum. This limited her ability to develop, talk and walk.
The South African Miss Universe 2017 gave a tribute to her sister with pictures on Instagram last Saturday.
“Our hearts are aching beyond measure but I am grateful knowing she’s forever relieved of the pain she experienced on earth,” she said.
“She’s laughing, running and playing in heaven just like we always hoped she would on earth.”
Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, sent her condolences in a comment. “So sorry for your loss Demi.. This is really heartbreaking news. Sending love to you and your family.. Please stay strong.”
Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere wrote, “So sorry for your loss … sending you love.”
American athlete Tim Tebow, Nel-Peters’ fiance, mourned for Franje on Twitter, sharing a picture of him, the beauty queen and her sister.
Our loss but heavens gain. So grateful for the hope we have of being reunited with the ones we love through our Heavenly Father. Mr & Mrs Peters and @demileighnp we are praying for you and love you so much. pic.twitter.com/O3Zu7XcHTu
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) May 5, 2019
“Our loss but heaven’s gain,” he said. /ra
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