"I MISS YOU": 'Street Dance Girls Fighter 2' Seniors Mourn RIA, Who Passed Away at 16, in Tears [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yamada RIA, a Japanese dancer from the winning team of Mnet's "Street Dance Girls Fighter 2" (hereinafter "SDGF2"), has passed away after battling illness. She was 16 years old.

On the 24th, RIA's family announced her passing through the late's Instagram, stating, "With deep sorrow, we inform you that RIA passed away on September 18, 2026."

The family added, "For over a year, she lived every day with incredible strength due to her illness. Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who supported her."

They further expressed, "RIA loved dancing. She cherished the connections she made through dance with friends and all those who followed her journey. We thank everyone who danced with her, shared moments of joy, and cheered for her. May her dancing and smile remain with you all," conveying their profound grief.

Even before appearing on "SDGF2," RIA was already known as a skilled dancer. Introduced with the title "World Championship Winner at Age 13," she had accumulated international competition victories in her early teens.

In the first episode of "SDGF2" broadcast in November 2023, she made an impressive debut by receiving unanimous selection from all masters. She later joined the team "Jam Republic" and secured the final victory in a live broadcast finale on December 26 of the same year.

However, RIA first revealed in March last year that she was undergoing treatment for an autoimmune disease. She has since focused on her recovery, and recently shared updates indicating she required chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. After over a year of battling illness, she passed away on the 18th.

Wax, a former member of "SDGF," expressed his sorrow with a comment: "We will never forget all the moments we shared together. We will always miss you." Redric also left a tribute message: "RIA, I will miss you so much. Sending love to you and your family."

Yoonji sincerely wrote, "I will miss you so much, Ria. I love you so much," while Jam Republic leader Kirsten moved viewers with her comment: "We will miss you, baby RIA. You are so precious. Sending all our love and support to your family."

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

*This content was translated by AI.