Down syndrome advocate DeOndra Dixon, the younger sister of actor Jamie Foxx, has died at the age of 36, according to Foxx’s Instagram post on Monday. Dixon was a global ambassador to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the first recipient of its highest award, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. Dixon’s cause of death is not known.
In a statement on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s website, the foundation wrote that the “Down syndrome community has lost a beacon of hope, a true leader, and role model whose aim was to always help others. She was a bright light in this world of ours.” In his Instagram post, Foxx discussed the joy that Dixon brought to everyone around her:
My heart is shattered into a million pieces… my beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned… I say transitioned because she will always be alive… anyone who knew my sis… knew that she was a bright light…
Fans and friends responded to Dixon’s death on social media and offered condolences.
Excuse me while I curl up in a ball and sob uncontrollably. DeOndra Dixon was such a voice for the Down syndrome community. https://t.co/7y8LDug3Tb
— Christi Caldwell (@ChristiCaldwell) October 27, 2020
So very sorry my friend https://t.co/KWeZkAuwKx
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) October 27, 2020
The National Down Syndrome Society is so sad to hear about the passing of @GDSFoundation Ambassador DeOndra Dixon. Our thoughts are with all who loved her during this difficult time. https://t.co/0sidvavmFn
— NDSS (@NDSS) October 27, 2020
The Global Down Syndrome Foundation said it will honor Dixon in its upcoming fashion shows.
Image via Getty Images/Thomas Cooper