Donyelle Jones Wilson, one of the star dancers from So You Think You Can Dance Season 2, has died at the age of 46.
TVLine reports that Jones died Tuesday after battling against cancer for several years. A notice was posted to her Instagram account announcing her death.
“Today at 8:34 am, Donyelle Denise Wilson transitioned,” the post states. “A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. And a warrior who kicked cancer’s ass every single day she was here.”
“Her spirit never dimmed. Her heart never hardened. And even in the storm, she never lost her smile,” the post continued.
Several celebrities posted their condolences, with RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Salina Estittes and June Jambalaya saying how they loved and respected her.
“[R]ole model who I got to learn under. My queen! Rest in power sweet lady!” wrote Estitties.
“Sending so much love to her family in this time of bereavement,” wrote Jambalaya.
Singer Shanice also wrote, “I love you Donyelle… No more pain. Rest In Peace.”
Wilson was one of the big stars of the second season of the popular dance competition show in 2006, coming in third place. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016, and later, Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
Wilson used the rest of her career to advocate for cancer awareness and research. She also promoted early detection to her followers while vlogging her cancer journey.
