On September 20, 2025, the global fashion world was plunged into grief as sources confirmed that supermodel Bella Hadid, born in 1996, had passed away after a long battle with the rare Lyme disease. The illness, caused by the Borrelia bacteria, led to severe complications affecting her brain, nervous system, heart, and joints, ultimately resulting in the heartbreaking loss of one of the most prominent fashion icons of her generation.
Bella Hadid was first diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012, at the age of 16, along with her mother, former model Yolanda Hadid, and her brother, Anwar Hadid. For more than a decade, she bravely endured harsh symptoms such as joint pain, extreme fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. Despite her struggles, Bella left an extraordinary mark on the world’s most prestigious runways and became the face of major luxury brands including Dior, Versace, and Bulgari.
Recently, Bella worried fans after sharing a series of photos from her hospital bed on Instagram, with IV lines and medical equipment attached to her body. In her final post, she wrote a heartbreaking apology: “I’m sorry for disappearing so often. I love you all so much.” The images, showing her gaunt face and swollen eyes, were a clear sign that her health had severely deteriorated.
Bella’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, had previously opened up about the pain of watching her daughter fight a chronic illness. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “Watching Bella suffer in silence has broken my heart. No child should have to live with an incurable disease.” She called Bella a “brave warrior,” but no one expected that the cruel illness would ultimately claim her life.
According to reports, Bella was rushed to the hospital on September 18, 2025, due to severe Lyme-related complications that critically affected her nervous and cardiovascular systems. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, she could not be saved. Her passing leaves an unfillable void for her family, friends, and fans around the world.
Her sister, Gigi Hadid, in a state of shock, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: “You are my light. I will love and miss you forever.” Fans and colleagues alike, from Kyle Richards to international fashion icons, expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the young talent.
Bella Hadid’s death is not only a devastating loss for the fashion industry but also a sobering reminder of the dangers of Lyme disease if left untreated. Her story — from a courageous “Lyme warrior” to a tragic ending — will forever serve as both inspiration and a lesson on the fragility of life.
