BREAKING: Baddie Winkle dead: Influencer Helen Van Winkle, 97, dies as tributes pour in

Internet sensation Helen Van Winkle, better known as Baddie Winkle, has sadly died at the age of 97.

Her great-granddaughter broke the news to her three million Instagram followers this evening, stating "an era ended and a star ascended."

Captioning a picture of her late loved one, she wrote: "Yesterday, an era ended and a star ascended. My great grandmother Helen Ruth Elam Vanwinkle danced her way to heaven.

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"She was joy, rebellion, and tenderness wrapped in one. The crown is eternal, & her love on many realms will live forever. This isn’t a goodbye, this is a See ya later my superstar."

"Oh no I’m so sorry. I’ve loved seeing her become an icon over the last few years. I’m sure she’s going to be shaking things up in the afterlife. So sorry for you and your family," one fan wrote in the comment section as the news broke.

Another added: "Loved me some Baddie! She inspired us all that being fabulous has no expiration date! Thank you so much for sharing her over these past few years. Shine Bright my girl!"

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