A memorial photo was posted on the family’s Facebook page Thursday morning, April 22.

Staff Report

CLAYPOOL — Payton Slaymaker, the little girl whose struggle with a form of brain cancer turned into an on-going rally of support from the community and beyond, has died.

Her death was announced by the family on a Facebook page around 9 a.m. Thursday, April 22. Within an hour, there were more than 1,000 comments offering condolences and prayers.

She died Wednesday, April 21.

The 10-year-old Claypool girl battled diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a type of cancer that begins in the brain stem. She was diagnosed in 2019.

Her illness led to several events, including a massive parade during the pandemic a year ago.

Hundereds of businesses had urged support for Payton during her battle. Yard signs, used as a fundraiser, were distributed far and wide and reportedly were placed in all 50 states.

The staff at InkFreeNews and The Papers offer condolences to family and friends.