"MasterChef Junior" judge Gordon Ramsay hailed Watkins as"an incredibly talented home cook and even stronger young man."Ben Watkins, a fan-favorite from “MasterChef Junior,” died on Monday after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 14.
Watkins lost both of his parents to domestic violence.“He never, ever complained. Ben was and will always be the strongest person we know. When Ben’s rare illness was shared with the world, he was so heartened by the outpouring of love he received from every corner of the globe — especially here in his hometown of Gary, Indiana,” the statement continued.
Watkins appeared on the sixth season of the culinary competition series and won the hearts of viewers. He is remembered for his positive attitude by fans and loved ones. Watkins was working at his family’s restaurant Big Ben’s Bodacious Barbecue, Bakery & Deli — which was named after him — but it closed after his parents died. Watkins’ father shot and killed his mother and investigators ruled it a murder-suicide. Still, Watkins dreamed of opening his own bakery or restaurant someday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Ben was such a pleasure to watch on the show. My deepest condolences to his family.
So very sad. 😢