Mama Cax death: Model and inclusive fashion advocate dies aged 30

'To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement'

Model Cacsmy Brutus, known as Mama Cax, has died at the age of 30, her family announced on social media.

According to an Instagram post shared by the model’s family on 20 December, Mama Cax passed away on Monday, 16 December after spending a week in hospital.

“To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement,” her family wrote. “As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life’s several challenges head on and successfully.

“It is with that same grit (fervor) that she fought her last days on earth.”

Mama Cax, who was diagnosed with bone cancer which resulted in the amputation of her right leg and pelvis bone at an early age, was known for being an advocate for inclusive fashion.

“I think it’s so important to show people who have physical disabilities because there are people out there who have physical disabilities who buy products and who never see themselves represented in any way, shape, or form,” Mama Cax told Teen Vogue in September 2018.

Mama Cax first made a name for herself as the face of a Wet ‘n’ Wild beauty campaign, before later walking the runway in shows for Savage x Fenty and Chromat.

The news of Mama Cax’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, celebrities and fellow models.

“A queen. A force. A powerhouse beauty that brought her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe,” Rihanna tweeted. “Rest in Power sis."

Model Tess Holliday wrote: “My beautiful friend, my beautiful wonderful friend. My heart is broken.”

“There’s no words to express how grateful I am for your existence and that the world has been graced with your positivity, wisdom and love,” fellow model Iskra Lawrence wrote. “It’s been an honour my love to get to know you and I will always cherish the memories and until we meet again one day - thank you, thank you for being you love you.”

Jameela Jamil also expressed her grief over the passing of Mama Cax, writing on Twitter: "My beautiful friend was the most extraordinary role model."

A week ago, Mama Cax revealed on Instagram that she was recovering after experiencing “severe abdominal pain” during a trip to London.

“The next morning it got worse, while barely conscious, I asked the hotel to call me an ambulance,” she captioned a photo of a flower arrangement. “They discovered that I had several blood clots in my leg, thigh, abdomen and near an IVC filter near my Lungs (which is a medical device that prevents clots from entering the lungs.)

The model concluded the post, in which she said 2019 had been “one of the best years for me,” explaining that she had “lots of unanswered questions” which she hoped to figure out once she returned back to the US.