Former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2017, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters took to social media over the weekend to mourn the death of her little sister.
In an emotional post on Instagram on Saturday, Demi-Leigh broke the sad news of her 13-year-old sister Franje’s death.
The 23-year-old beauty queen posted two images of Franje and a Bible verse captioning it:
“My little Princess, angel on earth, biggest joy and baby sister, Franje, passed away earlier today.
Our hearts are aching beyond measure, but I am grateful knowing she’s forever relieved of the pain she experienced on earth.
“She’s laughing, running and playing in heaven just like we always hoped she would on earth. She’s free! Thank you for all your prayers, love and support.
“Lief jou vir altyd my sussa en eendag sal ons weer bymekaar wees!(I will always love you", my sister, and one day we’ll be together again).”
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A post shared by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters(@demileighnp) on May 4, 2019 at 1:01pm PDT
Franje was born with subtotal cerebellar agenesis which is a rare condition where the brain develops without the cerebellum.
The condition is not fatal, but people born without a cerebellum experience severe developmental delays, language deficits and neurological abnormalities.
MOURNED: Franje Nel-Peters
Family, friends and fans flooded her post with condolences.
Among these were Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991; Iris Mittenaere, who was Miss France and Miss Universe 2016; Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summer; and Pia Wurtzbach, who was Miss Universe in 2015.
Actress Lee-Anne Liebenberg also passed on her condolences, writing: “Baie jammer Dems, dink aan julle. Mag die Here julle dra deur hierdie moeilike tyd.”