Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist, dies at 39

Lifelong AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, far right, rode on AHF’s award-winning 2013 Tournament of Roses parade float titled “The Global Face of AIDS,” on which she represented North American individuals living with AIDS. (Business Wire)

Updated February 21, 2024 at 5:50 PM ET

Hydeia Broadbent, known for raising awareness to lessen the stigma around HIV/AIDS from a young age, has died at 39 years old. She was one of the faces of children with AIDS in America, especially within the African American community.

Her father, Loren Broadbent, confirmed her unexpected passing in a message posted to Facebook on Tuesday. He did not share the cause of death.