MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton extends his sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Champion Cyclist, Beyoncé Ross.

The 15-year-old athlete died at around 2:00hrs this morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was hospitalized in a critical condition.

The teen became ill in February last and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. Ross’ family was initially told that the tumor was noncancerous.

The fourth form student underwent her first surgical intervention in April, and her family was in the process of raising funds to facilitate an overseas surgery to remove the tumor altogether.

However, things took a turn for the worst last Thursday, when the Lower Corentyne Secondary School student was hospitalized and listed as being brain dead.

Dr. Norton, who also holds responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, said that Ross’ passing is a tremendous blow to the cycling fraternity, as the young lady had enormous potential.

“She was capable of being a star Olympian. I don’t believe that there was any doubt that she was heading to the top, her progress would’ve been a beautiful thing to see,” a saddened Dr. Norton related.

Shortly before Ms. Ross became hospitalised, Minister Norton, along with Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, led a team which visited the ailing cyclist, expressing best wishes and donating hampers containing dietary and hygienic supplies.

Minister Norton added, “I can’t imagine what her family must be going through, but we wish them strength to deal with the hurt, and we want to encourage that they remember their star cyclist for the jovial person she was, and celebrate what she has accomplished during the 15-years of her life.”

 Beyoncé Ross astonished patrons of last year’s National Schools Championships when she copped three gold medals for her cycling.  She will forever be remembered for her immense talent and sportsmanship.