A Disney star has died at age 15, according to reports.
Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who is best known for her memorable performance in the movie "Queen of Katwe," died Saturday at a hospital near Kampala in Uganda, where she actress lived, according to Time. She was suffering from a brain tumor.
The girls’ secondary school confirmed the news on Twitter.
"You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age," the post read.
Waligwa drew attention in 2016 when she was cast as Gloria, a young girl who taught a child prodigy to play chess, in "Queen of Katwe." That was the year she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was admitted into hospital multiple times and underwent surgery in India.
Her death sparked a wave of grief in Uganda.
Lupita Amondi Nyong'o, who appeared alongside Waligwa in the Disney film, described her costar as a "sweet, warm, talented girl," in an Instagram post.
"She played Gloria with such vibrancy," the post read. "In her real life she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and community as they come to terms with having to say goodbye so soon. May she truly rest in peace. May it be well with her soul."