LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Johnny Depp has paid tribute to a dear fan who died of an untreatable heart condition at just 11 years old. The Hollywood legend shared a lengthy post on his Instagram story, commemorating the tragic death of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' fan Kori Stovell.
“Sail on my fellow captain!! You honored us with your life. You humbled and amazed us with the courage and strength to be able to smile through it all,” Depp, 60, wrote alongside a black-and-white video of Kori.
Who was Kori Stovell?
Kori Stovell was a diehard fan of the Jack Sparrow character portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie franchise. The young boy was born with a heart condition and had been in palliative care following two failed heart transplants.
Depp had previously called the boy “Captain Kori” during one of their video calls in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in December last year to stay ahead of the curve with grace, humor, an incomprehensible understanding, and unparalleled dignity,” the actor continued in his post this week, according to BBC News. “You are a warrior, mate… We will meet again on the highest of seas… All my love and respect to you and your family always!!! X JD,” Depp concluded.
Depp was reportedly contacted in December by Make-A-Wish with "a timely ask,” with Kori in palliative care. Depp was dressed as the film’s lead character Captain Jack Sparrow in the video and wished the boy luck. "I wish you the best of luck. I am your No 1 fan, Capt Kori," he said in the clip.
Kori watched 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies during his heart surgeries
Kori was a "massive" fan of Jack Sparrow and often watched the movies "during his multiple heart surgeries and subsequent recovery periods," a source told People at that time. The young admirer was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of his heart had been underdeveloped at birth. He underwent a heart transplant in 2018 and 2020, but unfortunately, his body rejected both organs.
In a statement, the boy’s mother Pixi told the outlet that her family "are broken beyond belief at the loss.” She said, "I would like to thank everyone who has supported Kori and followed his journey. He was humbled and overjoyed at so much in life and we ask that people don't forget him, now he has set sail on his biggest adventure yet."
