Influential Model Mama Cax Has Died at Age 30

Model Mama Cax, born Cacsmy Brutus, has died at age 30. The Haitian-American model was well-known for her advocacy for people with disabilities in the fashion industry. "It is with deep regret and immense sadness that we announce the passing of Cacsmy Brutus (Mama Cax)," reads a post shared to her Instagram account on Dec. 20. "Mama Cax spent the past week in the hospital, and unfortunately, on Monday, December 16, 2019, she left this world."

After suffering from a rare form of bone cancer that spread to her lungs at age 14, Mama Cax had her right leg amputated. In Chromat's Spring 2019 show, Mama Cax had a breakout moment when she walked down the runway with an embellished prosthetic leg. Following her viral show, the blogger and model went on to work for Tommy Hilfiger and Olay, and she also appeared in Rihanna's Savage x Fenty fashion show in September.

"To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement," the post continued. "As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life's several challenges head-on and successfully. It is with the same grit (fervour) that she fought her last days on earth."

Mama Cax's family and friends ask that fans please be respectful during this difficult time and wait patiently for information about funeral arrangements to be made public.