Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters mourns the passing of her baby sister

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters mourns the passing of her baby sister

"Our hearts are aching beyond measure," says Demi-Leigh following her sister's passing. 

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Tim Tebow Franje
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow with her sister Franje / Instagram

Former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is in mourning following the death of her 13-year-old sister, Franje.

The South African beauty took to Instagram to share the devastating news. 

"My little Princess, Angel on Earth, biggest joy and baby sister, Franje, passed away earlier today. Our hearts are aching beyond measure but I am grateful knowing she’s forever relieved of the pain she experienced on earth." Demi-Leigh wrote on Sunday.

Franje was born with a rare condition called cerebellar agenesis. The condition results in the brain developing without a cerebellum. 

Demi-Leigh has previously talked about her sister's condition. She told YOU magazine in an interview that Franje, who could not walk or talk, had the intellectual ability of a baby. 

Franje could also not eat on her own and had to be fed through a tube.

Demi-Leigh says her sister is now "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 added. 

The 23-year-old's fiancé, Tim Tebow, has also paid tribute to Franje. 

"Our loss but heavens gain. So grateful for the hope we have of being reunited with the ones we love through our Heavenly Father," he wrote on Instagram.

ALSO READ: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters reveals how she met fianceé Tim Tebow

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