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

Johnny Depp posted his tribute to Kori Stovell on Instagram

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."

In a video last year, Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow told Kori he was his "number one fan"

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.

Kori was born with a rare heart condition

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.