Former NFL quarterback and current baseball star Tim Tebow is in mourning this week after the sudden death of the little sister of his South African fiancee Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, a former Miss Universe.
Nel-Peters, a model and humanitarian worker, announced on social media that her younger sister Franje sadly passed away last Saturday at the age of 13. Franje was born with a rare condition of cerebellar agenesis, which meant she did not have a cerebellum. The condition severely limited her ability to walk, talk, and develop.
It was through Franje that Tebow and Nel-Peters met during the athlete’s annual Night To Shine, which celebrates people who have special needs. Both Tebow and Nel-Peters took to social media to mourn the little girl.
“Our loss but heavens gain,” Tebow wrote on Instagram. “So grateful for the hope we have of being reunited with the ones we love through our Heavenly Father. Mr & Mrs Peters and @demileighnp we are praying for you and love you so much.”
Nel-Peters also honored her “angelic” little sister on Instagram.
“My little Princess, Angel on Earth, biggest joy and baby sister, Franje, passed away earlier today,” she wrote on Saturday. “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!”
Nel-Peters concluded the post with a message in her native Afrikaans that is translated to, “Love you always my Sussa and someday we’ll be together again!”
Tebow and Nel-Peters became engaged last year after they bonded over their mutual Christian faith and love of helping others. They had planned to get married later this year, but no date has been announced to the public.
Please keep both the Tebow and Nel-Peters families in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
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