By Ron Lawrence 12/22/18 5:56

Sad news regarding the child Matadi Sela Petit  who flew to the U.S. from Africa to have surgery on a malignant tumor attached to his face. Mutombo passed away from a rare and unpredictable genetic reaction to anesthesia" during surgery ... TMZ  says

According to The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation , 8 year-old Matadi died Friday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A.

The Mutombo Foundation said "We are devastated by the loss of Matadi and our heart goes out to his father, his mother and the rest of his family, and all his old and new friends."

The lead surgeon, Dr. Ryan Osborne from Cedars Sinai Medical Center volunteered his services, after learning about Mutumbo and his good deeds of performance with Matadi, says TMZ

TMZ says, Mutumbo met Matadi while visiting the Congo and was so taken by his story he made arrangements to bring him to Los Angeles for surgery.

Because of his disfigured face, Matadi had been removed from school, considered an outcast and had been secluded away from everyone. They were hoping for a life changing outcome but sadly things turned for the worst.

Mutombo’s foundation says Matadi "was a pioneer, and his memory will inspire us to continue to develop efforts and partnerships to improve the lives of the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

Rest in peace Matadi Sela Petit