Justin Bieber Mourns Loss of Biggest Fan, 6-Year-Old Avalanna Routh

Pop star met with the cancer patient in February and tweeted that she was "one of the greatest spirits i have ever known"

By Rebecca Macatee Sep 26, 2012 8:57 PMTags
Avalanna Routh, Justin Bieber, TwitterTwitter

Sad news, Beliebers: Avalanna Routh has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

The 6-year-old girl, who Justin Bieber and his fans referred to as "Mrs. Bieber," died Wednesday morning, according to a Twitter account run on her behalf.

"just got the worst news ever," Justin tweeted after learning the news. "one of the greatest spirits i have ever known is gone. please pray for her family and for her. …  RIP Avalanna. i love you"

In February, Avalanna's dreams came true when, thanks to a Facebook campaign, she and her family came to New York City to visit with her idol. Avalanna, who suffered from a rare form of cancer called AT/RT since infancy, spent nearly two hours together with Justin playing Candy Land, autographing each other's hands and even exchanging playful kisses on the cheek.

Avalanna's mom told E! News her daughter "had a wonderful time" meeting Justin, adding that he "is charming and interacted beautifully with Avalanna—it was our pleasure to meet with him."

But Justin wasn't Avalanna's only A-list fan. Jessica Biel told Avalanna's story during a Stand Up to Cancer fundraiser earlier this month. Biel tweeted that "it was an honor" to tell Avalanna's story and added, "you're my hero."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Avalanna's family and friends.

—Additional reporting by Sharareh Drury