World-renowned HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent has passed away.
On Wednesday, it was announced by her father, Loren Broadbent, that the courageous woman had died on Tuesday, February 20th. Several outlets have reported that she passed away in her sleep, concluding a life that has been celebrated for the immense bravery that Broadbent has demonstrated in the face of adversity.
Hydeia’s life began in Las Vegas, Nevada, when she was abandoned by her biological mother at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada moments after she was born in 1984. Sadly, at just age three, she was diagnosed with AIDS after a battle with a mysterious illness. Doctors were doubtful that Broadbent would live longer than just a few years. However, she would go on to thrive.
Broadbent appeared on “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, and in 1996, she told her story on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” at just 11 years old. Broadbent broke down in tears as she described the loss of young friends who’d died from the illness. Her emotional appearance on the show made Broadbent a poster child of sorts for childhood HIV awareness, something she welcomed, spending the majority of her life advocating for HIV education.
Social media expressed its condolences as news of her death spread. Media personality Melyssa Ford shared that she’d met Broadbent during her own HIV/AIDS awareness initiative alongside the CDC.
“I woke up to the news that Hydeia Broadbent had passed away and felt my heart just sink,” she wrote on Instagram.
AIDS activist Rae Lewis-Thornton also shared the news on Twitter and a photo of her and Broadbent.
I’m sad to announce that renowned AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent passed away today. Over the years our paths crossed so much we became friends. Rest my sister Rest. Your legacy will live forever. Good and faithful servant well done ❤️🙏🏽 love you Deia pic.twitter.com/1IWoccZ81J
— Rae Lewis-Thornton (@raelt) February 21, 2024
Broadbent was just 39 years old.
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