Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist who gained media attention for being a part of America’s ‘first generation of children born HIV positive’ in the late 1980s has died at age 39.
Her father, Loren Broadbent, announced her death on Facebook early Wednesday morning, 21 February, He did not give a cause of death
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with Aids since birth,” he wrote.
“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around HiV/AIDS.”
Broadbent was born June 14, 1984, as an infant, she was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and later adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
It was presumed that Broadbent was born with HIV, but she was not diagnosed until she was 3.
Over the years, she made various national appearances to raise awareness about HIV.
Broadbent dedicated herself to educating those living with HIV/AIDS about abstinence, safe sex practices, and raising awareness for prevention. She said her mission was “simply to inform & create dialogue around HIV/AIDS in our homes, communities, educational institutions & churches.”
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