Prominent activist Hydeia Broadbent, widely recognized for her tireless advocacy as a child living with HIV/AIDS, has sadly passed away at the age of 39.
The announcement of her demise was made by her father, Loren Broadbent, who shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook alongside a poignant tribute and a photograph of Hydeia on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
The grieving father wrote:
Hydeia’s activism journey commenced in her early years when she was diagnosed as HIV-positive at the age of 3, later progressing to AIDS. Despite initial grim predictions from doctors that she wouldn’t survive past the age of 5, Hydeia defied the odds.
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth.
“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around HIV/AIDS.”
See below:
During her childhood, she made appearances on various television programs, including a 1992 Nickelodeon special featuring Magic Johnson.
In the wake of her passing, Magic Johnson himself took to social media to commend Hydeia’s bravery and unwavering commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy. He highlighted her profound impact on education, stigma elimination, and changing societal attitudes towards the disease.
Hydeia dedicated her life to educating people about HIV/AIDS prevention and challenging stigmas associated with the illness. Her emphasis on awareness and open dialogue was grounded in sharing her own story as a cautionary tale.
Sharing a video compilation of their friendship over the years, she wrote in part,
“Witnessing her continuously triumph over tragedy and use her time here as a beacon of hope was like witnessing the divine in motion.
My warrior woman, who literally fought her entire life to save the lives of others, Hydeia raised the consciousness and fought to destigmatize issues around HIV/AIDS. Hydeia made us all better.
SHE LITERALLY BLAZED TRAILS WHERE THERE WERE NONE. She and I grew into women together and Hydeia was a huge inspiration for me to use my life for a bigger purpose.”
Actress Jurnee Smollett, Hydeia’s best friend since the age of 13, also paid tribute, lauding her as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Hydeia Broadbent leaves behind a lasting legacy of activism and advocacy, having profoundly influenced numerous lives with her courage and dedication to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Watch the video below:
