He was known to those who loved him as "the kid who could just light up a room." And although
he didn't make it beyond the Top 18 in Season 6 of MasterChef Junior, Ben Watkins was a
group favorite.
And when it was discovered that he had a very rare, aggressive cancer, the cast of MasterChef
Junior Season 6 got together and recorded an adorable video to cheer on one of their
own, including the show's hosts, Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi, and Aarón Sanchez.
"We love you, Ben."
"God bless, and lots of love, buddy."
"This hug is for you."
But despite the well wishes, Ben Watkins, who was diagnosed with a rare disease known
as Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma, has tragically died at the age of 14.
It was Ben's maternal grandmother Donna Edwards and his uncle Anthony Edwards, who broke the
news, saying,
"Our Ben went home to be with his mother Monday afternoon after a year-and-a-half battle with
cancer. Ben was and will always be the strongest person we've known."
Until he was diagnosed with his illness — which has reportedly only afflicted six people around
the world — Ben was part of the restaurant scene in Gary, Indiana.
The young chef cooked and worked behind the counter at Big Ben's Bodacious BBQ and Delicatessen,
the restaurant which belonged to his late parents, even as he underwent chemotherapy.
The illness left Ben suffering from aggressive tumors on his spine, shoulder, and lung, and
he was being treated at the Children's Hospital of Chicago.
Ben became part of MasterChef Junior's Season 6 when he was just 11 years old, and he was
known for his fruit tarts and milkshakes. Unfortunately, while he was a fan favorite,
he was eliminated during the show's fifth episode.
"It's awesome to have made it this far."
Ben tragically lost both his parents in a murder-suicide in 2017, when his father Michael
Watkins shot and killed his mother Leila. Since that tragedy, though, he has remained
strong. Ben credited his mother with his kitchen skills, saying,
"My mom taught me everything she knew. Or I just picked it up by watching her."
His grandmother and uncle announced Ben's passing in a statement posted on Facebook,
in which they called Ben the strongest person they know, and thanked fans of the young chef
for supporting him throughout his life. The statement read in part,
"When Ben's rare illness was shared with the world, he was so heartened by the outpouring
of love he received from every corner of the globe — especially here in his hometown
of Gary, Indiana. We cannot thank this community enough for holding our family up in prayer
and for all that you've done. Ben suffered more than his share in his fourteen years
on this Earth but we take solace in that his suffering is finally over."
Watkins' family has set up a GoFundMe page, titled the #Love4Ben Memorial Fund, for well-wishers
to contribute to those surviving the terrible loss. His family also encouraged fans to remember
Ben by watching his season of Masterchef Junior on Hulu.
As the news of Ben's passing spread, condolences poured out from those who knew him. Masterchef
Junior host Gordon Ramsay quickly shared his sympathy, tweeting,
"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."
Aarón Sánchez chimed in as well, saying,
"This strong young man was so incredibly resilient and I am so saddened by his loss. His talent
and passion was always so inspiring. I'm wishing his family my deepest condolences."
Ben's Indiana community has rallied around his family in their time of need. Family friend
Katie Clark gushed about Ben to The New York Times, saying,
"He is polite, outgoing, smart, funny, and remained that way even into adolescence, which
isn't always the case with kids entering that phase of life."
Masterchef Junior fans also shared their condolences for Ben. One fan tweeted,
"A little gentleman in the kitchen, has such confidence. Sending love to his family as
well as condolences."
Another wrote,
"Absolutely heart breaking. I remember how incredibly loving and kind he was through
the competition. What a terrible loss, RIP to a little angel."
Others shared clips from Ben's season, including one where Ben described how his signature
dish — chocolate cake with a mango simple syrup, reflected his own personality.
"I am making a chocolate cake with a mango simple syrup. It really shows my personality,
because I'm sweet and I really like all the different flavors."
We wish Ben Watkins' friends and family all the best during this difficult time.