Courtesy Hayley Okines/FacebookHayley Okines, dubbed by the media as the "100-year-old teenager," died Thursday. She was 17.
Per the BBC, her mother Kerry announced the news in a Facebook post, writing, "My baby has gone somewhere better. She took her last breath in my arms at 9.39pm."
Hayley, who had the rare premature aging disease Progeria, had been told she wouldn't live past the age of 13. She did, though, going on to write an autobiography at age 14 titled Young at Heart: The Likes and Life of a Teenager With Progeria. She was an advocate for raising awareness about the rare genetic condition, too, participating in several TV documentaries discussing the disease and later enrolling in a U.S.-based clinical drug trial. Her story won over the hearts of many people around the world—including Justin Bieber!
Thanks to a Twitter campaign, Hayley met the Biebs back in 2013. She also met Prince Charles, Kylie Minogue, The Wanted and more stars in her short but star-filled life. As her mother told The Mirror, "We decided that if she wasn't going to live long, at least we would make her life special and pack it with wonderful memories."
Hayley tried not to dwell on the genetic condition that would most likely limit her lifespan. "I don't think about dying and just enjoy life," she said last year.
"In many ways, I feel I've been lucky," she added. "Because of this I've met more people and done more than many do in a lifetime."
Many took to Twitter to reflect on Hayley's life, including Nathan Sykes.
Heartbroken to hear about Hayley Okines. One of the sweetest people I have ever met with such a big heart. Gonna miss you Trouble. RIP xxx
? Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) April 3, 2015Missing the inspirational Hayley Okines today and always. https://t.co/U6VciZxThv pic.twitter.com/sE4seKjk7N
? Progeria Research (@Progeria) April 3, 2015I'm at a loss for words. My angel Hayley Okines left us today. Many of you know her story & our history. Please send love to the family.
? Casey (@caseycaruso) April 2, 2015Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.