Justin Bieber Mourns Loss of 11-Year-Old Fan Briana Tejeda: "I Was Honored to Meet Her"

Pop star met cancer patient in January thanks to massive social-media campaign

By Rebecca Macatee Mar 19, 2013 2:16 PMTags
Justin BieberTwitter

Say what you will about Justin Bieber, but you can't deny he's got a big heart.

One of the pop star's biggest fans, Briana Tejada, sadly died of leukemia on Sunday at age 11. But, thanks to a social-media campaign, Briana got a chance to meet her hero, and she also, clearly, left a lasting impact on him.

"Just got news about little Briana," Justin, 19, tweeted Monday. "I was honored to meet her. I know she is up in heaven smiling. #ripBriana #love"

Briana's family tweeted back at Biebs, writing, "Thank you Justin. Our family and specially us parents are very grateful. #ripBriana #love #justinforbriana"

"Meant what I said," he tweeted back. "She is smilling down from heaven. :)"

On Jan. 18, thanks to #JustinForBriana trending around the world, Briana met her idol backstage in Nashville. Her parents described the encounter on Facebook as "a dream come true" and posted a sweet picture of Justin giving Briana "the best kiss she's ever had!"

Prior to that, Justin made two shout-out videos for Briana. "I just wanted to say my prayers are going out to you and your family," he said straight to the camera. "Thank you so much for believing in me and being a big fan. And I'm your biggest fan, and I love you so much."

Aw. If that doesn't make you a Belieber, nothing will. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Briana's family.