Comedian Jimmy Rees’ nephew has passed away: “Our hearts are breaking”
“Uncle Jimmy will see you again soon buddy.”
The former host of Giggle and Hoot, turned social media star, has left an emotional tribute to his nephew on social media on August 12.
Alongside a group family photo with 11-year-old Rye in the centre of the picture, Jimmy Rees wrote:
“Yesterday my nephew Rye passed away with his parents by his side. Some of you may have been following Rye’s journey on his page @ryesworld_ … We love you Rye. May you Rest In Peace, pain free.”
Rye had died after living with cerebral palsy.
“What an incredible life of resilience, courage and strength. The mark you have left on us all will remain forever in our hearts,” Jimmy wrote, before signing off:
“Uncle Jimmy will see you again soon buddy.”
Jimmy Rees shared an emotional tribute to his nephew, Rye.
Jimmy’s wife, Tori Rees also shared a loving tribute, writing:
“To my dear nephew Rye. I loved you from the minute I met you. You have inspired me like no other and will continue to do so from up above. It was the greatest gift being your Aunty and God Mother and I will forever check in on you. Heaven gained the most special boy yesterday and I know darling boy we will all see you again. Fly high like you always have Rye. A part of my heart will always be with you. I love you Rye. I’ll see you again xxx”
Tori places a kiss on her nephew’s cheek.
Jimmy and Tori’s posts were met with an outpouring of support from friends and fans.
“I’m so sorry Jimmy. Sending you all much love and strength ❤️” wrote mum-of-two and media personality, Sally Obermeder.
Amanda Keller, co-host of The Living Room, shared: “So sorry to read this Jimmy. Condolences. X”
Another added: “Fly high Beautiful Boy❤️ so much love to you all 🙏✨”
“Rest now buddy, Rye was such a beautiful cheeky boy, sending love to all of you. ❤️” commented another.
Jimmy Rees and his wife, Tori share three children together, Lenny, six, and twins Vinny and Mack, three.
A couple of days after sharing the news of Rye’s tragic death. Jimmy and Tori thanked friends and fans for their kind words and announced a Go Fund me page which will help support Rye’s family.
“Thank you to everyone for the kind words and sentiments … we have received a lot of messages with requests to send a gift or offers to help Rye’s family, which is amazing,” Jimmy wrote.
“My wife Tori has set up a GoFundMe to help them with the funeral costs and other support as that’s what they need right now. Love you all, and thanks again for all your ❤️!”
Jimmy shares some special memories with Rye.
On her Instagram page, Tori wrote:
“This is my sisters beautiful family who lost their beautiful son on Sunday. Jimmy and I have been asked by many of how they can support them so with their wishes I have started a go-fund-me page to help support them for the costs of Ryes memorial and much needed support they will require. Thank you very much for your love and words at this time!”
On the Go Fund Me page, Tori shared some of “triumps” Rye had experienced in his tragically short life.
“On Sunday the 14th of August our beautiful nephew Rye Asher Johnson grew his wings and landed peacefully in heaven. Rye has had a life full of triumphs and has been such an inspiration,” she shared.
“Throughout his 11 years, his parents Brooke and Rhys have fought hard and provided him with everything they could to give him the best life possible. Anyone with children with special needs understands the costs invovled in this.
“Rye was a stroke survivor, had severe Cerebral Palsy, undiagnosed regression and Childhood disintegrative disorder.”
To donate to the Go Fund Me page set up for Rye’s family, click here.
Rye is surrounded by the love of his family.
In a social media post for a 2018 fundraiser for Rye, his family shared an insight into the health setbacks Rye had endured.
“When Rye was born, it was discovered he suffered a stroke in utero, subsequently at six months of age he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy,” it read.
“Since then, Rye’s journey has been anything by straight forward.
“He was developing well until he was about two-and-a-half years old, but has since been suffering ongoing regression and continual loss of skills.
“Rye’s doctors haven’t been able to find a diagnosis for his regression.
“Today, Rye has severe physical and intellectual disability and substantial behavioural impairment.
“He is 100 per cent dependent on others for all activities of daily living, including mobility, toileting feeding, personal care and communication, and to ensure his personal safety.
“Rye is tube fed via a PEG and requires many medications, which need to be administered numerous times throughout the day and night.”
