Adalia Rose Tributes Pour In After YouTuber With Rare Aging Disorder Dies Aged 15

Tributes have poured in for Adalia Rose Williams, a YouTube star who lived with rare aging disorder Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, after her death aged 15.

A statement was shared on her Facebook and Instagram accounts on Thursday announcing that she had passed away on Wednesday, as it was noted that the Texas native "left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her."

"January 12, 2022 at 7 p.m. Adalia Rose Williams was set free from this world. She came into it quietly and left quietly, but her life was far from it," the statement read.

"She touched MILLIONS of people and left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her," the statement continued. "She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves. I really wish this wasn't our reality but unfortunately it is.

"We want to say thank you to everyone that loved and supported her. Thank you to all her doctors and nurses that worked for YEARS to keep her healthy. The family would now like to mourn this huge loss in private."

The sad news prompted a flood of tributes across social media, with fashion designer Michael Costello sharing a series of videos of Williams, whom he described as "an angel." Costello designed two dresses for Williams in honor of her 13th birthday back in 2019.

"My heart is broken," he captioned his post. "I received a message at 7 p.m. last night, Adalia Rose Williams was called home to God. I am at a loss for words and cannot stop crying.

"Adalia has been so special to every single person that she met. She was an angel. Despite the cards she was dealt with, she had the most positive attitude and such big dreams of helping everyone around her."

"I love you so much Adalia," the former Project Runway contestant concluded his post. "Words cannot convey how much you've changed my life. I will miss you dearly, friend, and I promise to cherish all the wonderful memories we've had together."

In a follow-up post, he also shared a link to a GoFundMe page, which has been set up to raise funds towards "funeral costs and medical expenses." The page has so far raised more than $2,000 of its $10,000 target.

Professional wrestler Taeler Hendrix reacted to the news by sharing a screenshot of the statement announcing Williams' death, as she wrote: "RIP Adalia Rose...thank you for sharing your life with us. A life with an indelible sense of authenticity and joy every day."

Makeup artist and YouTuber Kandee Johnson took to her Instagram Story to share a photo of herself posing with Williams in happier times.

"This adorable, funny, spunky girl @adalia06 went to heaven yesterday," she captioned the post. "She touched so many people's lives and my heart is forever honored we got to spend this time together. I fell in love with her and her family."

Johnson also commented on the Instagram post announcing Williams' death, writing: "oh my heart just breaks seeing this...oh how my heart is with you all. Adalia's heart, her spunky outlook, her hilarious personality.

"I feel honored to know her in life and I know she's probably dancing in heaven! My heart is wrapping around all of you, her family. Thank you for sharing her with the world to love and be inspired by her. I love Adalia and I love and will be praying for her entire @pallantetribe family I love you guys so much."

Also taking to the post's comments section, beauty influencer Desi Perkins wrote about how "amazing" Williams was as she shared a heartfelt tribute.

"My heart breaks to hear this," Perkins said. "I was lucky to have met her and to see how amazing she was. She touched so many people with her amazing energy. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I will be keeping you in my prayers. Rest in paradise angel."

Former Shahs of Sunset star Lilly Ghalichi commented in reaction to the news: "I'm so sorry for your loss, she was the most beautiful soul and the world was lucky to know her."

A post from YouTuber Natalie Alzate's Natalies Outlet Instagram account read: "Oh Adalia she was pure light and joy. I still remember the first time she came up to me and called my name, her little eyes twinkled. I loved her energy and sass all at once.

"I'm sending you and your family my deepest sympathies and love. I recently too lost someone near to me and taking that time to be with family is so important. The days will feel long and hard but let this hard test, be your TESTIMONY we love you."

Williams proved to be hugely popular on social media, pulling in more than 2.9 million subscribers to her YouTube channel, where she shared an eclectic mix of videos about her life. She had 370,000 followers on Instagram.

The social media star was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a condition sometimes referred to as Benjamin Button disease, months after her birth.

On its website, the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) states that progeria "is a rare, fatal, genetic condition of childhood with striking features resembling premature aging."

The NORD notes that there are only around 400 children in the world living with progeria. The average life expectancy for children diagnosed with the condition is 14.5 years.