Ben Watkins was more than your average 14-year-old. Every week, millions of Americans would tune-in to watch the rising chef compete in the spin-off children’s cooking competition, Masterchef Junior. Earlier this week, the notable fan favorite’s life was tragically cut short after battling a rare form of cancer.
What We Know:
- According to CNN, Ben was diagnosed with Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma, a rare soft tissue tumor that usually occurs in children and young adults, soon after turning 13-years-old. When the news broke of his diagnosis, he was met with an outpour of love and support from his previous Masterchef Junior competitors and fans across the world. He was undergoing chemo-therapy when he passed.
- Ben competed in season six of Masterchef Junior in 2018 at only 11 years of age. He placed in the top 18 competitors. According to the Chicago Tribune, his debut into the culinary competition came just under a year after losing both of his parents, Michael Watkins and Leila Edwards, in a domestic violence situation that escalated to a murder-suicide. He was then cared for by his maternal grandmother and uncle.
- Ben’s biggest dreams were to own a barbecue restaurant like his father’s shop – Big Ben’s Bodacious Barbecue & Deli, which was named after Ben, of course. Here, Ben would help his father by making and selling baked goods and helping out with customers. The restaurant closed shortly after the loss of both parents.
- The host of Masterchef Junior and world-renowned chef, Gordon Ramsey, expressed his condolences to Ben’s family tweeting, “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. Sending all the love to Ben Watkins’ family with this terrible loss Gx.”
We send Ben’s friends, family, and fans our deepest condolences on this devastating loss.
