It has been announced that YouTube sensation Kori Parkin-Stovell has died aged just 11.
The young boy from Ripley in the United Kingdom was born with a congenital heart defect which meant that the left side of his heart had not developed properly.
Kori spent a massive portion of his childhood undergoing treatment for the illness and even had two heart transplants in an attempt to save his life, but after it was revealed that the second transplant was failing, he and his family made the decision not to attempt the procedure for the third time due to the intense post-recovery period.
Taking to Twitter, Kori's mom, Pixi announced the heartbreaking news to fans via a video taken from his bedroom.
My precious boy set sail a little under an hour ago. I am beyond broken pic.twitter.com/eK2AiiPwnT
— TheCrapGoth (@PixiCrapGoth) July 9, 2023
"Kori passed away in my arms just after half past seven this evening," she said through tears. "I'm beside him right now. He went fairly peacefully. he's currently lying in his bed, I'm in his bedroom. His captain's hat is beside his head and he has a parrot flag over him."
She then went on to thank all of Kori's fans for supporting him and his YouTube channel where he raised awareness about his condition.
"I would like to ask that you carry on Kori's channel subs, interact with his videos, because I am not letting his channel go and for all those people who tried to make Kori's wish come true while he was here, thank you.
"I don't know what to do - he was my baby boy," she added.
Before he passed, one of Kori's wishes was to speak to Captain Jack Sparrow, which he was able to do thanks to Johnny Depp.
In a video, the 60-year-old actor addressed the young YouTuber as the fictional pirate saying: "Captain Kori... I understand you're quite the YouYube channel man... so what I'm saying is, I would be glad to follow your YouTube channel and will tell all my friends to follow your YouTube channel.
"I wish you the best of luck, I'm your number one fan Captain Kori, all my respect and love," Depp added in the clip.
The father-of-two even went one step further and FaceTimed Kori, pretending that he was aboard his pirate ship and making small talk with the young star.
Surrounded by candlesticks and candelabras, Depp joked: "I'm extremely flammable, I'm amongst so much fire with the candles I'm afraid this adventure might go awry."
Kori's YouTube channel, Kraken the Box, is now at 205,000 subscribers and many have taken to his final upload, which was only posted three days ago, to leave tributes for the youngster.
"Fly high Captain Kori," wrote one user. "You will always be in our hearts. Deepest condolences to Pixi and the family."
"You’re in paradise now Kori," added another. "Thank You for every last ounce of inspiration you’ve given us RIP sweet child xoxo."
A third described him as "special" writing: "Kori left such an impact here on the internet which made a difference for kids everywhere through Make A Wish. He's an inspiration and will never be forgotten. My heart breaks for Pixie and I just want to send so much love to her and her family. Thank you for sharing Kori with us. He's so special."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to have been a part of each and every one of your adventures, Captain. You were the bravest, most inspirational pirate to us all and showed us what true courage and grace are. You will live forever in our hearts, and the memory of your infectious giggles and your absolute joy in pranking your mum will always bring a smile. Rest easy," this user commented under the video.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kori's family during this incredibly difficult time.