Who died from 'MasterChef Junior'? Talented chef Ben Watkins was diagnosed with an uncommon type of cancer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘MasterChef Junior’ Season 9 is around the corner! Over the last few years, we have managed to witness the growth of many young chefs in the culinary world.
However, the show lost a talented aspiring chef on the way, 14-year-old Ben Watkins.
The popular cooking show adored by fans is all set to return for an exciting and highly anticipated ninth season. It will premiere on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 8 pm ET, exclusively on Fox.
This season promises to deliver even more dazzling culinary skills and heartwarming moments from the talented young chefs.
With the anticipation building, fans can mark their calendars and eagerly await the opportunity to witness the culinary prowess of these incredible young contestants.
Get ready to be inspired and captivated as 'MasterChef Junior' takes the stage once again to showcase the next generation of culinary prodigies.
'MasterChef Junior' first aired in 2013. In the show, children aged 8 to 13, are given ingredients, instructions, and a time limit to create a dish for the judges to taste.
What happened to 'MasterChef Junior' contestant Ben Watkins?
'MasterChef Junior' contestant Ben Watkins died of cancer at the young age of 14 in November 2020. He took his last breath at the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, according to NBC News.
In a heartfelt statement posted on a GoFundMe page titled "#Love4Ben," Watkins' uncle and grandmother shared the devastating news of his untimely demise.
The page, initially established back in 2017 to provide educational support to Watkins after the tragic loss of his parents, now serves as a platform to mourn his passing.
“After losing both of his parents in September 2017, we have marveled at Ben’s strength, courage, and love for life. He never complained. Ben was and will always be the strongest person we know," the statement read.
The statement further stated, “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."
They continued, "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 and in that, in the end, Ben knew he was loved by so many.”
It has been reported by the media outlet that Watkins was diagnosed with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma, an uncommon type of cancer that predominantly affects youngsters and individuals in their early adulthood.
Despite undergoing extensive treatment for 18 months, Watkins tragically succumbed to the illness.
Did Ben Watkins win 'MasterChef Junior' Season 6?
In 2018, Ben Watkins took part in the sixth season of, 'MasterChef Junior,' which was hosted by renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.
At the tender age of 11, Ben showcased his exceptional talents and remarkable skills in the show.
Among a staggering number of 40 talented contestants that participated in the season, Ben was among the elite top 24 who were selected to compete for the highly coveted winning title.
Despite fierce competition and immense pressure, Ben's culinary prowess and creativity shone through, as he managed to secure a commendable position within the top 18 contestants.
This remarkable achievement not only highlighted Ben's exceptional culinary abilities but also showcased his determination and passion for the art of cooking at such a young age.
Beni Cwiakala emerged as the winner of 'MasterChef Junior' Season 6.
Ben Watkins lost his parents at a young age
During his childhood years in Indiana, Ben dedicated his leisure hours to honing his culinary skills at his family-owned establishment, Big Ben's Bodacious BBQ and Delicatessen.
Tragically, his life took a sudden turn when he experienced the devastating loss of both his parents, Leila Edwards and Mike Watkins, in a heart-wrenching murder-suicide incident, which garnered attention from the reputable Chicago Tribune.
Consequently, the grieving process was compounded by the closure of the beloved restaurant, which ceased operation shortly after the death of his parents.