[imagesource: Getty Images]

Yesterday, news broke that South African model and actress Charlbi Dean (full name Charlbi Dean Kriek) had tragically passed away at the age of 32.

Reports state she died at a New York City hospital of a “sudden illness”.

Most recently, Dean starred in Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness, which was awarded the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or.

Her acting career began way back in 2010 when she starred in Spud, returning for the 2013 sequel, Spud 2: The Madness Continues.

She also played Syonide, a character on the CW series Black Lightning, which has been running since 2018.

Dean began modelling at the age of six, reports Variety, and frequently appeared on fashion runways and magazine covers. Her most recent Instagram post is flooded with tributes and commiserations:

 

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A post shared by Charlbi Dean (@charlbi143)

According to Cape Town Etc, Dean was involved in a near-fatal car accident in 2009:

…after her then-boyfriend crashed into a truck on Marine Drive. She damaged two vertebrae, broke her wrist, four ribs and an elbow. She also suffered other internal injuries, including a collapsed left lung. Life-saving surgery resulted in what became a ‘signature’ belly scare.

In a post from June 25, Dean’s scar is visible as she walks a runway:

 

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A post shared by Charlbi Dean (@charlbi143)

SA People has a roundup of some tributes:

One family friend said: “From a little 5yr old girl to the beautiful woman you grew into I’m beyond shocked and saddened to hear you passed suddenly last night. I didn’t sleep well thinking what a terrible loss this is to everyone who loved and knew you. One day you’re celebrating your latest movie in Cannes and today you are gone  ”

“Rest in peace – a real life beautiful angel  ” said one friend. Another said: “RIP you beautiful soul  ” One fan wrote: “Rest in Peace beautiful. You didn’t know me but you were my big role model. Thank you for inspiring me  ” Another added: “Rest easy lovely girl. An inspiration to so many ”

Dean announced her engagement to model Luke Volker on April 8. He proposed at the location of their first kiss in Manhattan, New York.

Volker’s most recent Instagram post details how proud he is of her leading role in Triangle of Sadness.

 

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A post shared by Luke Volker (@lukechasevolker)

Dean’s mother, Joanne Muller, also shared heartfelt words:

 

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A post shared by Joanne Muller (@joanne.muller)

Entertainment industry heavyweights around the world offered their condolences.

Good Things Guy compiled these quotes:

“What a massive shock and tragedy. She’s so witty and deadpan and clockwork-precise in Triangle of Sadness, and I was so excited to see a new South African talent on the international scene. My thoughts are with all her loved ones and collaborators.” – Guy Lodge, Film Critic for Variety, The Observer and The Guardian.

“Truly saddened by the news of Charlbi Dean’s sudden passing. It has been a gift to bear witness to her incredible talent in Triangle of Sadness, among many others.” – Toronto Film Festival.

“Absolutely saddened to hear about Charlbi Dean’s passing. A photographer pitched her to us for Evie’s next magazine. She’s so beautiful, talented, and so young. Only 32 years old and just wrapped a movie at Cannes. Gone too soon.” – Brittany Martinez, friend and media personality.

Dean also appeared in Death Race 3: Inferno, Blood in the Water, Don’t Sleep, and Porthole.

Triangle of Sadness has been tipped for possible Oscars glory, with Dean’s starring role potentially leading to “breakthrough prizes from regional critics”.

[sources:variety&capetownetc&sapeople&goodthingsguy]