Australian comedian, writer, and disability advocate Stella Young died Saturday. She was 32.
Young — who had several notable projects, including editing the ABC's former Ramp Up disability website — died surrounded by her family.
Young was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition she once described to the Sydney Morning Herald as meaning she had "really dodgy bones."
"With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Stella Young, our much-loved and irreplaceable daughter and sister," her family said in a statement to ABC News.
Stella Young's family said she passed away on Sunday, unexpectedly, but with no pain.
#BREAKING: Disability advocate and comedian @stellajyoung has died at the age of 32
Young regularly wanted to change the way society viewed those with disabilities. In a hilariously funny TED talk this year, she wanted to push back against the idea of how those with disabilities become "inspiration porn".
The news of her death shocked the Australian public, who remembered her as both a fierce advocate and wonderful person.
Australian public life is diminished by the loss of Stella Young.
The world is less interesting without Stella Young. She fearlessly challenged every stereotype of disability. Love ya & always miss ya buddy
We have lost a fierce, funny, formidable woman. Vale Stella Young. Fucking devastating.
Stella Young is one of those people who you only ever thought of as full of life, vivacity and wit. I can't imagine her any other way.
Stella Young is so terrific. A hilarious, rare, super cool lady. Heartbreaking news.
Stella lived her life with passion, determination and enormous guts. She was an advocate for so many. And she was bloody funny.
Brilliant, passionate, funny - one of the great communicators. We are all going to miss Stella Young so much. http://t.co/YmAm88UJz5
Listen, Stell. I can't tell you for certain that you and I will ever meet. Perhaps that thing I always say flippantly, usually with a third glass of wine in my hand – that I'm here for a good time not a long time – perhaps that's true.But on my path to reach you, I promise to grab every opportunity with both hands, to say yes as often as I can, to take risks, to scare myself stupid, and to have a shitload of fun.See you in our hover-chair, lady.Love, Stell x
Love you, Stell x
