Gordon Ramsay reportedly donated $50,000 to cover medical costs for “MasterChef Junior” Ben Watkins before his death from cancer.
The reality TV chef quietly contributed to Ben‘s battle with a rare form of cancer in August, sources close to the situation shared with TMZ in a piece published Friday. Watkins was just 14 years old when he died Monday of Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma. (RELATED: Alex Trebek Announces He Was Diagnosed With Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer)
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The piece noted the donation was made just about the same time a GoFundMe was set up for Watkins, with Ramsay and Ben’s chef competitors from season 6 of the show encouraging folks to help out with his cancer costs with a video message sending him well wishes. (RELATED: ‘So Awkward’ Actor Archie Lyndhurst Dead At 19 After ‘Short Illness’)
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That GoFundMe page is at more than $200,000 and the outlet said the money will be used to support Ben’s family.
As previously reported, Watkins died Monday following his battle with cancer after being diagnosed with the rare form of the disease at the age of 13. It came just 2 years after he competed on the celebrity cooking show hosted by Ramsay.
The outlet has learned that the “MasterChef Junior” show is also planning on honoring Ben in some way following his death.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Ben Watkins, a beloved member of the MasterChef Junior family,” the “MasterChef Junior” show tweeted following news of his death. “Ben overcame so much in his life with a remarkably positive attitude.”
“He was a tremendous role model for chefs of all ages and will be dearly missed by everyone at Endemol Shine North America and FOX Entertainment,” the post added.