Teenage Moroccan Chef Omar dies after battle with illness

Teenage Moroccan Chef Omar Archane has passed away after suffering from a troublesome disease.

The announcement was made on the official Facebook page of the 16 year old - known as Chef Omar – after days of posts from the account asking his fans to pray for him following his battle with muscular dystrophy, according to Morocco World News.

The social media star – who has over 219,000 followers on Facebook and over 50,000 on Instagram – was known for presenting recipes to followers online.  

“#Chef_Omar is under the protection of God… we belong to Allah and to him we shall return,” a statement posted on Thursday to his account announcing his death read.

Thousands of supporters sent in condolence messages following the announcement.

The young boy - who began broadcasting videos at just 8-years-old, according to reports - was also a UNICEF Youth Advocate for child rights.

“It is with great sadness that we receive the news of the passing of Chef Omar, a UNICEF Youth Advocate for child rights. He has and will continue to inspire many in and outside Morocco. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” the United Nations agency wrote.

It is with great sadness that we receive the news of the passing of Chef Omar, a UNICEF Youth Advocate for child rights. He has and will continue to inspire many in and outside Morocco.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) July 14, 2022

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes the muscles to weaken and deteriorate over time, according to the NHS.

There is no cure for the condition, but treatment can help to manage many of its symptoms.