Disney’s Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa has died at age 15

The film star from Uganda, who starred in Disney’s 2016 movie about a chess prodigy, passed away at age 15, according to multiple news sources.

2016 film was based on true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged 9 despite not being in school, went on to compete in international tournaments.

She had been battling a tumour for about 3 years.

David Oyelowo paid tribute to the young star: “We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa. She was a ball of light in Queen of Katwe and in life. Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness. Her light will live on”