Dwayne Johnson paid a heartfelt tribute Tuesday to a seven-year-old fan who died following a battle with cancer.
The “San Andreas” star informed his Instagram followers that Gabriel “Tater” Singleton, had passed away.
Back in March, Johnson invited Singleton to the set of “Baywatch,” after the boy from Tennessee began a social-media campaign to meet the wrestler-turned-actor.
“Been sitting on this post for a few days now, ’cause I wasn’t sure how to express it.. but here goes,” Johnson wrote.
In a lengthy Instagram reflection that was accompanied by a picture of Johnson with his arm around Singleton, the “Ballers” star wrote, “I don’t know why this lil’ 7yr old boy was chosen to battle cancer. Fighting it hard core daily. Was it so his fight could inspire everyone around him? Was it ensure we would wake up everyday with a greater gratitude for life and hug our loved ones that much stronger? I believe everything happens for a reason – but sometimes it requires us to have faith to look deeper to know what they are.”
Johnson continued, “A few days ago Lil’ Tater passed on, earned his angel wings and is no longer in pain.”
The actor also reflected on Singleton’s set visit, writing, “Our strength and love go out to Tater’s mom, dad and sisters whom I had the privilege of spending time with on our set of Baywatch. As a dad, I’d do anything to put a smile on my girl’s faces and Tater’s mom and dad did everything they could to make this little boy smile. He sure did and it was beautiful. And we all smiled with him.”
Johnson wrapped up his remembrance on an upbeat note, writing, “[A]fter writing this post I’m counting my blessings and motivated to be productive today and run thru a wall like a maniac. Which would DEFINITELY make Tater laugh.”