A mum has paid tribute to her 'precious boy' after the 11-year-old boy who was born with a congenital heart defect died. Kori Parkin-Stovell, known as Captain Kori, was born with a serious heart condition, which meant that the left side of his heart had not developed properly.
The youngster from Ripley became an internet sensation and his story was heard by hundreds of thousands worldwide - and his pirate hero Johnny Depp even took the time to chat to him on a video call.
But his family and followers were well aware that it was likely he didn't have long left to live after a second heart transplant failed to rectify his problems, Derbyshire Live reports. On Saturday, July 8, Kori's health deteriorated rapidly and his mother Pixi announced he had died at around 7.30pm yesterday evening, Sunday, July 9. She released a video statement on Twitter with the words: "My precious boy set sail a little under an hour ago. I am beyond broken."
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Mr Depp posted a tribute to Captain Kori on his Instagram story. It said: "Sail on my fellow Captain! You honoured us with your life. You humbled and amazed us with the courage and strength to be able to smile through it all. You've shown every one of us how to stay ahead of the curve with grace, humour, an incomprehensible understanding and unparalleled dignity. 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"
Kori battled through the effects of multiple heart surgeries after being diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome while in the womb. The life-threatening condition meant the left side of his heart was severely underdeveloped and did not function properly. When he was told a second surgery in 2020 hadn't worked, his mother said it was his own decision to refuse a third due to the brutal nature of the recovery process. It was at that point that the family, completed by his father John and siblings, began to prepare for the eventuality of losing Kori.
The pirate fanatic and YouTube enthusiast started his own YouTube channel in December last year with the dream of reaching the milestone of 100,000 subscribers and receiving a silver "Play Button" plaque for the achievement. And after his phone call with Mr Depp went viral in the same month, he raced to the target in just days.
His channel continued to grow as he posted a variety of videos, mainly of him unboxing gifts he had been sent by fans. His last video, posted on Friday, July 7, was of a similar nature.
A day later, his mother tweeted saying: "Kori is struggling, he had a bad nose bleed for over 7 hours, a paramedic stayed with him at home for 2 hours today trying to stop it. He vomited blood and has been very sleepy and refusing all food. He's also brachycardic. His big sister is sat with him atm x."
At around midday on Sunday, she posted: "The Captain may be preparing his ship to set sail...we are praying he stays in port longer as we are not ready to wave him goodbye yet. Our hearts are breaking."
At 8.15pm on the same day, she announced his death through tears, saying he had gone "fairly peacefully" in her arms. She thanked his fans for their support and for making his dream come true and asked them to continue to support his channel.
Tributes poured in for the youngster, with one saying: "RIP captain Kori you made an impact on so many of our lives". Another said: "Pixi, you are an absolute bastion of love and strength. Peace be with you. As for you, young Master, you have completed your final watch, Lil Captain. Now, rest in peace."
