[Full Text] 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2' Champion Dancer Ria Passes Away at Age 16

*This content was translated by AI.

Yamada Ria, a Japanese dancer who won Mnet’s 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2' (hereinafter 'SDGF2'), has passed away after more than a year of battling illness. She was 16 years old.

On the 24th, the family shared the heartbreaking news on Ria's Instagram. They stated, "To everyone who has always supported Ria, we, Ria's family, have something to say. On September 18, 2026, Ria passed away."

They continued, "During her more than a year of illness, Ria faced the disease with all her strength until the very end and endured bravely. To everyone who has supported Ria so far, offered warm words, and held Ria dear to your hearts, our family sincerely offers its deepest gratitude."

The family added, "Ria truly loved dancing. She cherished the bonds she formed with fellow dancers through dance and with all those who always stood by her. We are deeply grateful to everyone who met Ria, danced alongside her, laughed with her, cheered for her, and supported her. If Ria's favorite dances and her smile remain in your hearts from now on, there could be nothing more joyful for our family. We sincerely thank everyone who loved Ria." The message left the audience choked with emotion.

Born in 2009, Ria joined 'SDGF2' in 2023 as a member of Jam Republic, leading her team to victory and gaining widespread recognition.

However, last year she revealed that she was battling an autoimmune disease and has since paused all activities to focus on treatment. She also shared updates about undergoing chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.