HIV/AIDS Activist Hydeia Broadbent Dies At 39

Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist who gained media attention after appearing on “Oprah” in the 1990’s as a child died on Tuesday at 39.

Broadbent’s father, Loren Broadbent announced her death on Facebook early Wednesday. He gave no cause of death.

She passed away in her sleep.

“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with Aids since birth,” he wrote. “Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity challenges through education around HiV/AIDS.”

Broadbent was abandoned as an infant at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas.

She was later adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent. It was determined that she was born with HIV, but she was not diagnosed until she was 3.

Broadbent began speaking publicly by the age of 6 alongside her mother who was a social worker.

In 2018, she celebrated her 34th birthday, taking to her blog to celebrate the milestone after doctors told her adoptive parents that she wouldn’t live past 5.

Rest in peace Hydeia. You will always be missed.