Disability campaigner was just 32

Australian comedian Stella Young has died unexpectedly at the age of 32.

The comic, and high-profile disability campaigner, had steogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily.

She was a former editor of the disability news website Ramp Up, run by state broadcaster the ABC – and earlier this year was nominated for the 'Golden Gibbo' award at the Melbourne comedy festival.

In 2012 she covered the London Paralympics for Australian TV, and while in the UK appeared alongside the Abnormally Funny People collective of comedians with disabilities at the Soho Theatre.

In a statement, her family said: 'With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Stella Young, our much-loved and irreplaceable daughter and sister.

'Stella passed away on Saturday evening, unexpectedly, but in no pain. A private funeral will take place soon, followed by a public event in Melbourne, with more details to come.'

Among those paying tribute were former prime minister Julia Gillard, who tweeted: 'Stella Young was a shining light for care and action on disabilities,. We mourn her passing and rededicate ourselves to her spirit.'

Young proudly described herself as a 'crip', with her Melbourne show titled Tales From The Crip. Chortle's review of the show praised the way she 'wraps sharp, acidic barbs in an admirable, no-nonsense confidence'.

She once said: 'I want to live in a world where we don't have such low expectations of disabled people that we are congratulated for getting out of bed and remembering our own names in the morning.'

Among the comedians paying tribute were Adam Hills, presenter of Channel 4's The Last Leg.

He tweeted: 'A lovely, talented force for good called Stella Young has left us. Please think of her fondly. We already miss her.'

Celia Pacqiola said: 'Can't quite believe the news. Stella Young. A hilarious, fierce & inspiring woman. She will be so missed.'

Josh Thomas tweeted: 'Stella Young is so terrific. A hilarious, rare and super cool lady. Heart breaking news.'

And Greg Fleet said: 'So sad to hear about Stella Young. What a sweetheart. It was starting to really work for her. She seized the day. Much for me to learn.

Here is her TED Talk recorded in Sydney earlier this year:

From the ABC website: 17 Things Stella Young Wanted You To Know.

Published: 8 Dec 2014