BCK Online

BCK Online

  • YOUNG STARS
    • Big Kids
    • Viral Kids
    • Upcoming
  • PARENTING
    • The Gurus
    • Parenting News
    • Hot Topic
  • STYLE
  • PHOTOS
  • VIDEOS
  • MORE
    • NEWS
    • Exclusives
    • Gossip
    • Bump Watch
    • Births
  • BCKCutie
  • TALENT SUBMISSION
BCK Online

Home » NEWS » “MASTERCHEF JUNIOR” FAN FAVORITE, BEN WATKINS, LOSES BATTLE TO CANCER

“MASTERCHEF JUNIOR” FAN FAVORITE, BEN WATKINS, LOSES BATTLE TO CANCER

Tiffany Silva by Tiffany Silva
Nov 17, 2020
in NEWS
0
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Whatsapp

Ben Watkins, a former competitor on “MasterChef Junior,” has died after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. Watkins was diagnosed with angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma shortly after his 13th birthday last September, according to a GoFundMe page called #Love4Ben Memorial Fund. He was 14 years old.

Ben Watkins saw unspeakable tragedy at an early age. His parents died in what investigators called a murder-suicide in Gary, Indiana. As he adjusted to his new reality, he found solace in continuing to pursue his dreams of becoming a chef.

RelatedPosts

TIA AND TAMERA BRING KIDS TOGETHER FOR A PLAYDATE

May 24, 2022

14 CHILDREN AND 1 TEACHER KILLED IN TEXAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING

May 24, 2022

“My mom taught me everything she knew,” he told the press prior to appearing on MasterChef Junior at the age of 11-years-old. “Or I just picked it up by watching her.”

Before the death of his parents, Watkins helped out at their family restaurant, which was named after him — Big Ben’s Bodacious Barbecue, Bakery & Deli. 

Watkins appeared on the sixth season of MasterChef Junior, quickly becoming a fan favorite and making it all the way to the final 18 with his signature dish that consisted of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. 

The tough Master Chef/MasterChef Junior host Gordon Ramsay was “heartbroken” over the loss of this truly talented young man. Ramsay wrote a touching tribute to the now 14-year-old Watkins on Instagram. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram)

Ramsay posted, “We lost a Master of the @masterchefjunior kitchen today. Ben you were an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man. Your young life had so many tough turns but you always persevered. I adored our time cooking and laughing together on set. Heartbroken today losing my little mate, sending all my love to Ben Watkins’ family with this terrible loss Gx.”

Ramsay and his fellow contestants had been a support to Watkins in various stages of his treatment. Back in August, they posted an inspirational video to let him know that they were with him in this fight, encouraging people to donate to the young chef through a GoFundMe campaign, trending the hashtag, #love4Ben. 

The Watkins family has thanked everyone for their “outpouring of love from every corner of the globe.” The statement continued, “Ben suffered more than his share in his fourteen years on Earth. But we take solace in that his suffering is finally over and that, in the end, Ben knew he was loved by so many.”

Although Watkins’ earthly journey was way too short, his memory will remain. He has touched the hearts of many and will continue to be an inspiration for those who have faced adversity and followed their dreams in spite of. 

Post Views: 1,941
Tags: Ben WatkinsMasterChef Junior
ShareTweetShareSend
Previous Post

TAMEKA 'TINY' HARRIS AND DAUGHTER HEIRESS FILM FOR 'T.I. AND TINY: FRIENDS AND FAMILY HUSTLE'

Next Post

TAMRON HALL: 'DOES BEING A MOM MEAN YOU ARE MORE OF A WOMAN?'

Don’t miss out on BCK’s newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics and more delivered straight to your inbox!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Tiffany Silva

Tiffany Silva

Writer and Editor

Related Posts

TIA AND TAMERA BRING KIDS TOGETHER FOR A PLAYDATE

by Sarie
14 hours ago
0

Sister, Sister! Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley reunited for a day of fun with the...

14 CHILDREN AND 1 TEACHER KILLED IN TEXAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING

by BCK staff
16 hours ago
0

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed that 14 students and 1 teacher are dead following...

REGGIE BUSH’S WIFE, LILIT, SHARES PHOTOS OF HER ‘HANDSOME BOYS’

by Sarie
19 hours ago
0

Reggie Bush's wife, Lilit, has been showing off her beautiful family on Instagram. The celebrity...

NICK CANNON SAYS ALL HIS BABY MAMAS ‘DON’T HAVE TO’ GET ALONG

by Sarie
21 hours ago
0

Nick Cannon does not require all of his baby mamas to get along. The celebrity...

Load More
Next Post

TAMRON HALL: 'DOES BEING A MOM MEAN YOU ARE MORE OF A WOMAN?'

Newsletter

Don’t miss out on BCK’s newsletter to get breaking celebrity news, hot pics and more delivered straight to your inbox!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise On BCK
  • Talent Submissions

© 2018 BCK Online.

  • YOUNG STARS
    • Big Kids
    • Viral Kids
    • Upcoming
  • PARENTING
    • The Gurus
    • Parenting News
    • Hot Topic
  • STYLE
  • PHOTOS
  • VIDEOS
  • MORE
    • NEWS
    • Exclusives
    • Gossip
    • Bump Watch
    • Births
  • BCKCutie
  • TALENT SUBMISSION

© 2018 BCK Online.