LGBT campaigner and Mr Gay World 2010 has died at the age of 33.
After a short battle against lymphatic cancer, Mr Gay South Africa 2009, Charl van den Berg has died at the age of 33. He won the Mr Gay South Africa title in 2009 and then won the Mr Gay World title in Olso in 2010.
A statement released by the Mr Gay World organisation said,
“It is with deep sorrow that we learned of the passing of one of the prominent members of the Mr. Gay World™ family, Charl van den Berg, Mr. Gay World™ 2010 from South Africa who lost his mercifully short battle with lymphatic cancer.
“Charl always conducted himself in a friendly, approachable and exemplary fashion, keeping his feet firmly on the ground and doing the job he was chosen for without airs and graces. His infectious laughter and warm character made him an absolute pleasure to work with.”
An announcement on his Facebook page said that a funeral will take place on the 14th August.
The former title holder said upon winning the world-wide Mr Gay World competition that it was his aim to “break down stereotypes and differing mindsets in the global community and promote oneness and equality for all people by bridging the gap between those mindsets.
“It is my understanding that people are people before we are different.”
