Barrier-challenging model Mama Cax has died at the age of 30, her family has announced.
The Haitian-American – who lost her right leg to lung and bone cancer as a teenager – died on Monday after being taken ill on a trip to London.
In an Instagram post, her family said it was with “deep regret and immense sadness” they announced Cax – real name Cacsmy Brutus – had died.
“To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement,” they said.
“As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life’s several challenges head on and successfully.
“It is with the same grit (fervor) that she fought her last days on earth.”
Cax became a figurehead for disability rights, often decorating her prosthetic leg in colourful designs as she sought to celebrate her disability rather than hide it.
She has modelled for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Tommy Hilfiger and Asos and was the cover star for September’s issue of Teen Vogue.
Cax has also taken to the catwalks of both New York fashion weeks this year.
She had posted on Instagram over recent weeks of her struggles with new health issues.
Pop star Rihanna posted a tribute on Twitter describing her as a “queen, a force”.
She said: “A powerhouse beauty that broughr her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe. Rest in power sis.”
Sorry, this content isn’t available on your device.
A queen. A force. A powerhouse beauty that brought her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe. Rest In Power sis @mama_cax
67.8K7:02 PM – Dec 20, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy7,029 people are talking about this
Many others from the worlds of fashion and celebrity paid tribute to Cax. Last updated Sat 21 Dec 2019
culled ITV .com
