Darius Weems, a 27-year-old disability rights activist, died Sunday of complications from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.
Weems appeared in a movie about his first trip outside of Athens, “Darius Goes West,” when he was 15. In the film, he travels to California to try to get a custom wheelchair on the MTV show “Pimp My Ride.”
Weems recently played a part in raising awareness for the first FDA-approved treatment for the disease, which was approved in September, just before his 27th birthday, the article said.
On the film's Facebook page, it says Weems died at Athens Regional Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. After checking into the hospital Friday with a persistent cough, Weems died of cardiopulmonary failure Sunday afternoon.
Weems ran a charity to raise money for a cure for the disease, which only affects men. Those with the condition usually die in their late teens or early 20s.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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