Hayley Okines dies at 17

Campaigner to raise awareness of rare condition

A campaigner who raised awareness of the rare genetic condition progeria, which causes those affected to age about eight times faster than average, has died at age 17. The U.S.-based Progeria Research Foundation said Hayley Okines, from East Sussex in England, died Thursday at her home. It didn't provide more details.

The group's executive director, Audrey Gordon, praised Okines for her participation in drug trials and research that helped make progress toward treatment for the condition. Hundreds of tributes also poured into the group's website celebrating Okines' life.

Okines published her autobiography, “Old Before My Time,'' at 14, detailing her unusual life.

The Progeria Research Foundation says the condition affects about 1 in four million to eight million newborns. Those affected die at an average age of 14.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Hayley Okines (right) talks during an interview with her mother, Kerry. Hayley was a campaigner who raised awareness of the rare genetic condition progeria, which causes those affected to age eight times faster than average.