After Losing Parents, 11-Year-Old To Compete On MasterChef Junior

GARY, IN — Ben Watkins has been through more in his 11 years on Earth than most people. The boy, an aspiring engineer from Gary, Indiana, lost both his parents on a single, horrific day five months ago. But the community is rallying around him and trying desperately not to let the tragedy derail his life.

Now, Ben, who has passion for cooking, is poised to appear on Gordon Ramsey's hit series "MasterChef Junior."

On Sept. 16, Mike Watkins, shot Leila Edwards to death inside their home in the Miller neighborhood of Gary, police said. Mike Watkins then killed himself.

Anthony Edwards, Leila's brother, told the Chicago Post-Tribune the couple, Ben's parents, were divorcing.

Leila Edwards taught mosaic, stained glass and industrial sewing at a learning center for steelworkers. Mike Watkins owned the restaurant, Big Ben's Bodacious Barbeque & Deli. The restaurant, which has since closed, had been named in honor of the boy.

The newspaper said Ben helped his father take orders, work the cash register and even sold homemade baked goods.

In the months following the tragedy, the community has rallied around Ben to make sure the tragedy doesn't derail him from reaching his full potential and fulfilling his dreams. They've raised more than $21,000, including nearly $5,000 on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe.

Trent McCain, Ben's neighbor and attorney for the boy's guardian, said in a post on the site that the money will be used to create a trust fund to support Ben's health, education, maintenance and support.

"We want Ben to able to continue his education in the culinary arts wherever he wants to in the world," the post said.

At least one of his dreams is about to become a reality.

On Friday, Ben will put his kitchen skills on display in front of a national audience as part of the two-hour season premier of Gordon Ramsay's "MasterChef Junior." Those interested in watching can go to a viewing party at 6 p.m. on Friday at Miller Bakery Cafe.

The episode begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will air on Fox.

In the show, 40 children between 8 and 13 years old compete in a series of challenges and show off their culinary skills and passion for food. Two children are eliminated each episode. At the end of the series, one child will take home both a trophy and a $100,000 grand prize.

"We are so thrilled to have Ben on this season of 'MasterChef Junior,' and although there have been some trials in his young life, he is really focused on his culinary dreams and time on the show," Fox spokeswoman Allie Hall told the NWI Times.

The family's attorney told the media outlet that Ben is wise beyond his years and looks at cooking more like a "safe backup."

"But who knows, if he's successful with this program it might change the trajectory of his life," McCain told the media outlet.

Patch has reached out to Trent McCain and will update if we hear back.

Photo credit: GoFundMe