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French comedian Guillaume Bats died on Thursday June 1 at the age of 36. The announcement was made on social networks by its producer. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The actor was suffering from brittle bone disease, a rare genetic chronic pathology which weakens the bones and can, in severe forms, reduce life expectancy.
It was on the comedian’s official Facebook account that the Dark Smile Productions team announced his death on Thursday, without specifying the cause of death. “The event being recent, we do not yet have all the details relating to his funeral, and do not yet know the cause of this tragic event. In the meantime, we have created a contact email allowing you to let you know if you are one of his relatives: [email protected]”, can we read on the publication.
His sickness, his strength
Guillaume Bats, real name Guillaume Batreau, had brittle bone disease. His handicap was his strength, he did not hesitate to seize the subject to make his audience laugh. “To relax and laugh, you have therefore decided to come and see a disabled person”he blurted out to his fans who came to see him perform.
The comedian liked to joke about the consequences of the disease on his life: “I was born with 27 fractures, which makes me the post-natal fracture champion”.
What is brittle bone disease?
Osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as “glass bone” disease, is a genetic condition characterized by bone fragility and low bone mass causing repeated fractures following minor trauma. Symptoms of the disease vary from patient to patient. In addition to repeated fractures, the disease can cause spinal deformities, cranial deformities, deafness in adulthood or even fragility of the skin and capillaries.
Some patients will suffer from moderate forms while others will be affected by severe and fatal forms. The most severe forms appear before birth, while mild forms can only appear in adulthood. The first fractures generally occur when learning to walk.
There is no cure for this disease. Management is based on several disciplines: rehabilitation, orthopedic and surgical treatments and the taking of bisphosphonates and analgesics (to relieve pain). The disease can also lead to dental problems that must be treated early by a dental surgeon. Finally, a healthy lifestyle and the regular practice of appropriate activities are strongly recommended to patients.