Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp pays tribute to young fan

Johnny Depp has paid tribute to a young fan who died of an incurable heart condition, aged 11.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star had already sent Kori Stovell, of Ripley, Derbyshire, a video message as his character, Captain Jack Sparrow.

The video fulfilled the final wish of Kori, who died on Sunday.

Posting on Instagram, Depp wrote: "Sail on my fellow Captain! You humbled and amazed us with the courage and strength to be able to smile through it all."

The 60-year-old star's tribute continued: "You've shown every one of us how to stay ahead of the curve with grace, humor, an incomprehensible understanding and unparalleled dignity.

"You are a warrior, mate... We will meet again on the highest of seas... All my love and respect to you and your family, always!!! X JD."

Kori, who was on palliative care after two failed transplants, died at home in his mum Pixi's arms.

Following his death, she said: "We are broken beyond belief at the loss."

Kori was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart was under developed.

Surgeons gave him a new heart in 2018 but the organ was rejected and he underwent a second transplant in January 2020.

However, his body rejected it and he, his family and medical teams had made the difficult decision to not face the ordeal of a third heart transplant.

One of Kori's last wishes was to speak to his idol Captain Jack Sparrow - and the actor responded in December with the help of charity Make-A-Wish.

It was also his dream to reach 100,000 YouTube subscribers, which he surpassed.

As well as Johnny Depp, Kori's subscribers also include fellow Hollywood star and wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

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