Image: Twitter
You are probably not a stranger to the reality cooking show MasterChef. The competitive cooking show was created by Franc Roddam and soon gained momentum in different countries. Globally, this show became known to many passionate cooks. The reality show brings together culinary experts from across the world to compete against each other through talent, learning, and skill to win the title of the best chef towards the end of the show.
It’s a great way to learn and develop new cuisines, recipes, and cooking skills for passionate cooks everywhere. Soon, MasterChef Junior was created where children from the age of 8 to 13 showcase their culinary competencies through exciting contests to emerge winners. The first episode aired in 2013, and it’s been a hit ever since. Contestants make the news and take the internet by storm through their exceptional skills and talent as young chefs.
One such contestant has made the news yet again, but this time, it is for something devastating and, quite frankly, shocking. The star of the reality show, MasterChef Junior, Ben Watkins, made the headlines not for his skills but for leaving this world. The young chef, one of the most loved contestants in the show’s history, passed away on November 16th, 2020. The news put netizens and other MasterChef lovers in a state of shock and left them wondering, “What happened to Ben Watkins?”.
The Young, Talented And Humble Chef
Image: Metro
Ben Watkins was a contestant on the show Masterchef Junior, in 2018. He was one of the most loved contestants because of his grace and skill of culinary knowledge. The contestant was fighting a battle against cancer for over a year. He was 11 years old when he joined the show and created a wide range of fruit tarts and milkshakes. Apart from flaunting his skills on television, the talented young boy helped his family’s restaurant called Big Ben’s Bodacious Barbecue, Baker & Deli in Indiana by being their star chef. Sources reveal that the family-owned restaurant is now shut.
In a statement from his family, his grandmother revealed that Ben’s strength was commendable. She said that he lost his parents in 2017, and despite the unfortunate incident, his courage and love for life was beyond marvelous. Ben’s uncle said that he never complained and was the strongest person he knew and will probably be the strongest person he will ever know.
In the statement, Ben’s family also revealed that he was heartened by the love he received from all over the world, especially from his hometown of Gary, Indiana when Ben’s rare illness was shared with the world.
The Condition That Killed Him
Image: Twitter
Ben was diagnosed with a rare condition called Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma back in 2019. It is a rare form of cancer that causes tumors in the soft tissue and usually affects children and young adults. Newspapers revealed that only six people in the world had been diagnosed with this rare ailment, including the young star chef. Within five months of his diagnosis, Ben Watkins lost his battle against cancer, and the world lost an incredibly talented young chef.
Gordon Ramsey expressed his condolences to Ben’s family on social media. He mourned the young star’s loss and said Ben was a talented home cook and even stronger young man. Ben lost his parents in 2017 in a murder-suicide just a few weeks after shooting MasterChef Junior. Reports revealed that it was a case of domestic violence where his father brutally shot his mother before taking his own life.
The young boy was only 11 years old during his parents’ death but did not give up. Ben Watkins did not have it easy. His life was hard, but he did not use that as an excuse. Instead, he used it as fuel to succeed, and we could not be more proud of him.
Celebrities, news portals, and several fans expressed their grief and mourned the MasterChef Junior alum’s loss on social media. We pray that his soul rests in peace and he finds solace in the afterlife.
