15-year-old Disney star Nikita Pearl Waligwa who was famous for her role in the movie Queen of Katwe has passed away at the young age of 15 after suffering a deadly brain tumor.
Nikita was first diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor back in 2016, whereas the director of the Disney drama film allegedly paid for her extensive treatment.
While the young girl was declared disease-free in 2017, Indian doctors have discovered another aggressive tumor just two years later.
Nikita succumbed to her brain tumor on Saturday, February 15, at the age of 15 while waiting for another surgery to have her brain tumor removed.
The uprising young actress was best known for her role as Gloria, a friend of the young chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi who was struggling as a child in a Ugandan slum.
The 2016 movie, called the Queen of Katwe, was inspired by a true story about a girl who mastered chess by the age of 9 and started competing internationally.
Speaking of the girl’s tragic death, one of the family members explained that “the brain was swollen and it is exerting a lot of pressure.”
“Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa. You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear,” the teen’s teachers wrote in their tribute.
In another post by the Gayaza High School staff, they wrote: “It is such a low moment for the country to lose incredible young talent at a tender age. Our sincere condolences to Nikita’s family.”
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Replaced!