WASHINGTON, Feb 22, (Agencies): Hydeia Broadbent, a dedicated activist who gained prominence as a child living with HIV/AIDS, passed away at the age of 39, as announced by her father, Loren Broadbent, on Facebook.

In a heartfelt post on Wednesday, Loren shared the sad news, accompanied by a photo of Hydeia, expressing, "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. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around HIV/AIDS."

Broadbent's journey as an activist began in her early years when she was abandoned as an infant at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and later adopted. Diagnosed as HIV-positive at the age of 3, with progression to AIDS, doctors initially predicted that she wouldn't live past the age of 5.

Despite the odds, Broadbent became a symbol of resilience and advocacy. In 1992, as a child, she appeared on a Nickelodeon special about HIV/AIDS alongside Magic Johnson, shortly after the basketball star disclosed his own HIV diagnosis. Broadbent continued to share her story on various television programs, including Oprah, 20/20, and Good Morning America.

Magic Johnson, paying tribute to Hydeia on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighted her impact on the world. "Hydeia changed the world with her bravery, speaking about how living with HIV affected her life since birth," he wrote. "Thanks to Hydeia, millions were educated, stigmas were broken, and attitudes about HIV/AIDS were changed. We will miss her powerful voice in this world. Cookie and I are praying for the Broadbent family and everyone that knew and loved Hydeia."