6-year-old TikTok star Joules Smith has tragically died.
The UK based influencer amassed over 290k followers on her account gingerjoeandjoules, run by her parents.
Her father, Joe Smith, shared the heartbreaking news. He wrote: “Unfortunately, in the early hours of Monday morning [December 9]. Our beautiful little dancing queen passed away in between me and [my wife] Elisha in our bed.”
He added: “Joules has been an absolute inspiration to everyone and I am so proud to be her dad, as is Elisha, her mum.
“We take so much comfort in knowing that she inspired and touched the lives of so many people from around the world.”
Fans have been sharing their heartbreak and condolences at the news: “For once I don’t have any words, but may the beautiful Joules sleep easy and keep dancing.” while another said: “Heartbroken for you all and sending so much love. Joules will be in our hearts whenever we dance.”
Young Joules was sadly diagnosed with inoperable diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) earlier in the year – which is ‘an aggressive, malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that develops in a part of the brainstem called the pons. The pons is the portion of the brain that helps send messages to the spinal cord and the rest of the body, controlling important functions like heartbeat, breathing, sleeping, balance, and bladder control.’, per Nationwide Children.
Sadly, around 300 children are diagnosed with DIPG every year and there is no cure.
Smith broke down in a video online sharing the sad news: “She was the bravest, kindest, most beautiful little girl and we miss her so much.
“Let’s carry on dancing for our beautiful little Joules, ’cause I know she’ll still be dancing. Just remember, it’s never goodbye. It’s just peace out.”
Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this impossible time.
RIP Joules.
