Katie Slaton - the cousin to reality TV sisters Tammy and Amy Slaton - has sadly died aged 37.
Confirmation of her passing comes just months after Katie was diagnosed with Stage 4 gastric adenocarcinoma - the most common form of stomach cancer, accounting for over 95% of cases around the world, as per the NCI.
In these cases, the disease originates in the mucus-producing cells of the stomach's inner lining, before potentially spreading to other organs.
Prior to her death, Katie joined her cousins on the hit TLC series 1000-lb Sisters, which saw Tammy and Amy Slaton endeavour to turn their lives around by shedding vast amounts of weight, and implementing a healthier lifestyle.
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Katie has featured as a secondary personality on the show since 2020, when it first began airing.
Back in January, a GoFundMe page was set up for her, with Tammy amongst those to promote the initiative by asking her fans to chip in.
"Y'all I'm so sorry to be asking a big favour like this but if anyone can help even if it's a dollar [it] would help my cousin out so much," she wrote.
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"She has been on my show but this is something new [as] our family just found out about her having cancer."
It is Tammy and Amy's older sister, Amanda Halterman, who has since confirmed the news of her death, revealing Katie tragically lost her battle with cancer earlier this week.
"It [is] with a completely crushed heart and spirit that I have to post this," Amanda penned on Instagram, in the caption of a photograph of the two of them together. "My little cousin went to sit at the feet of Jesus yesterday.
"She was a force to be reckoned with and showed love that was accepting and given freely. She was the life of the [party] and my best friend."
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Amanda continued: "I know both our grandparents and friends was there to welcome you home.
"Please pray for my aunt uncle and cousins but mostly for the babies and for Natalie to be strong. Please pray for everyone whom loves her.
"Thank you all who has come out and supported her. #cancerscks."
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Many fans of the on-screen family have since rushed to issue their condolences over Katie's passing.
"Deepest sympathy & condolences goes out to you Amanda, your family & friends," one penned in the comments.
Another went on to say: "Praying that the Lord holds you all close in this time."
"Sending you all strength and peace during the times ahead," a third continued. "I'm so sorry to you and yours."
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A fourth added: "I'm so sorry for your loss Amanda! My prayers are with you and the family."
Confirmation of Katie's passing came exactly a day after Amanda begged her online followers to keep her in their prayers, as her health continued to rapidly deteriorate.
"Please whisper a prayer for our family as we continue to support [Katie]," she previously penned.
"I am so thankful to be allowed to stand by your side."
Topics: Tammy Slaton, Amy Slaton, 1000-Lb Sisters, Reality TV, Celebrity, US News
Rhianna Benson