Olivia Wise, teen 'Roar' singer, dies of brain cancer

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The 16-year-old YouTube star who covered Katy Perry's "Roar" lost her battle with brain cancer on Monday, her family said in a statement.

“She died peacefully in her home surrounded by the love of her family,” they wrote.

Olivia Wise, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer two years ago, caught the attention of social media users and eventually Perry herself with her sweet and impassioned cover of the summer hit.

In the YouTube hit, the wheelchair-bound Wise sings "Roar" in a recording studio.

"She couldn't walk or stand, she didn't have her full breath or the energy she used to, and she was managing her new pains and new limitations," Wise's cousin captioned the YouTube video. "While her physical condition was rapidly fading, her spirit remained untouched."

"Olivia is a fighter and has gone through the fire, in fact, she was going through the fire while she recorded this song, but you wouldn't know it, because she was dancing right through it. She is an inspiration, a champion, and my hero. This is her Roar," he said.

"A lot of people love you and that's why your video got to me" Perry said in a video response. "It moved everybody that saw it."

Wise released the cover on YouTube and iTunes back in October, with proceeds going to the Live Wise Fund. Her song has led to $100,000 in donations to support children with brain tumors.

"In many ways, Olivia has lived a shortened, but full life," Wise's mother told CNN.

"Olivia Wise, I can hear you singing with the angels now," Perry tweeted Tuesday. "Your spirit & strength has inspired me & so many others... May you rest in peace."

[CBC, Toronto Sun, CNN]