Former NFL quarterback-turned-minor league baseball star Tim Tebow just got some devastating news that the 13-year-old sister of his fiancée, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, a former Miss Universe from South Africa, suddenly passed away.
Fox News reported that it was Nel-Peters’ little sister Franje who first brought the couple together through Tebow’s annual “Night To Shine,” which aims to celebrate those who have special needs. Franje, who had battled the extremely rare condition cerebellar agenesis all her life, passed away last Saturday. This condition meant that she was born without a cerebellum, and that her motor skills, like walking and talking, were severely limited.
“My little Princess, Angel on Earth, biggest joy and baby sister, Franje, passed away earlier today,” Nel-Peters wrote on Instagram. “Our hearts are aching beyond measure but I am grateful knowing she’s forever relieved of the pain she experienced on earth. She’s laughing, running and playing in heaven just like we always hoped she would on earth. She’s free! Thank you for all your prayers, love and support.”
She ended the post with a message in their native South African language that means, “Love you always my Sussa and someday we’ll be together again!”
Tebow also took to Instagram to mourn Franje in an emotional post, writing, “Our loss but heavens gain. So grateful for the hope we have of being reunited with the ones we love through our Heavenly Father.”
Tebow and Nel-Peters became engaged at the end of 2018 after they bonded over their Christian faiths and mutual love of helping those with special needs. Not only did they both love Franje, but she is also the reason behind them getting together in the first place, so this has to be especially difficult for them to handle. While this loss is difficult to bear, hopefully, they can find comfort in the fact that Franje is in a better place now in Heaven.
Please keep the Nel-Peters and Tebow families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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