'Our Loss but Heaven's Gain': Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Mourn the Loss of Nel-Peters' Sister

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By Kayla Koslosky, Crosswalk.com

Tim Tebow and his Fiancée Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters are mourning the loss of the 2017 Miss Universe’s little sister but are praising God that she is no longer in pain.

The former NFL quarterback and outspoken Christian took to Instagram on Sunday to share a photo of himself with Nel-Peters and her 13-year-old sister Franje.

Tebow captioned the photo, “Our loss but heavens gain. So grateful for the hope we have of being reunited with the ones we love through our Heavenly Father. Mr & Mrs Peters and @demileighnp we are praying for you and love you so much.”

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, also an outspoken Christian, shared a post about her sister, posting a graphic of the Bible verses Romans 8:38-39. The Graphic reads “You are loved forever,” and is captioned, “My little Princess, Angel on Earth, biggest joy and baby sister, Franje, passed away earlier today. Our hearts are aching beyond measure but I am grateful knowing she’s forever relieved of the pain she experienced on earth. She’s laughing, running and playing in heaven just like we always hoped she would on earth. She’s free! Thank you for all your prayers, love and support.”

According to the Christian Post, Nel-Peters added in her native tongue, “Love you always my Sussa and someday we'll be together again!”

The Christian Post reports that Franje played an instrumental part in introducing Tebow and Nel-Peters.

In an interview last summer with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, Tebow share that he and Nel-Peters met through one of Tebow's nonprofit organization for kids with special needs called “Night to Shine.”

He said, “Her sister has special needs, so we invited them to Night to Shine in South Africa. We kind of met and started talking through that and haven't stopped."

According to the South African, Franje suffered from cerebellar agenesis, which limited her development and her ability to walk and talk.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Steve Jennings/Stringer

More about Tim & Demi-Leigh Tebow

Tim Tebow is a two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, ESPN contributor, and former professional baseball player. He is the author of Mission Possible: Go Create a Life That Counts along with four New York Times bestsellers, including This is the Day, Shaken, and Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember. His second children’s book, Bronco and Friends: Mission Possible, was released by WaterBrook on April 12, 2022. Tim’s true passion remains the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), which he began in 2010. The foundation’s mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. Tim is married to Demi-Leigh Tebow, a South African model, speaker, influencer, entrepreneur, and Miss Universe 2017.

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Demi-Leigh Tebow is a South African model, speaker, and entrepreneur who was crowned Miss Universe in 2017. Beyond the pageant stage, she is a passionate advocate for women's safety and empowerment, drawing from her own experience of narrowly escaping a kidnapping attempt. As the wife of Tim Tebow, she co-leads the Tim Tebow Foundation, focusing on anti-human trafficking efforts and support for vulnerable communities. Demi-Leigh is also the author of A Crown That Lasts, a book that reflects her commitment to faith, purpose, and service. Her life and work exemplify a dedication to using her platform to glorify God and uplift others.