Just two days after reaching his eight-month milestone, baby Ridge Watts’ family faced a devastating turn. Ridge, from Burnt Corn, Alabama, had spent his short life living with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB), a rare genetic condition that makes the skin exceptionally fragile. His family had been providing around-the-clock care since his diagnosis shortly after birth.

Ridge was born on August 11, 2025, and soon developed widespread blistering. He was transferred from Mobile to UAB, where doctors diagnosed him with JEB. His condition meant that ordinary parts of infant care could require extraordinary attention, with his family managing specialized wound care and frequent medical appointments.

Then, shortly after celebrating eight months of his life, Ridge suddenly experienced severe breathing difficulties. According to accounts shared by people close to his family, emergency treatment was attempted, but doctors were ultimately unable to save him. Social-media posts reporting his pᴀssing say he d1ed just two days after reaching the eight-month milestone.

But Ridge’s story was never defined only by his illness.

Those who remembered him described a little boy whose smile brought extraordinary warmth to the people around him. Despite the challenges he faced from such a young age, his family and supporters came to know him as a remarkably precious child who brought joy into their lives.

For his parents, Annsley Salter and Bailey Watts, those eight months meant countless hours of care, hospital visits, prayers and moments that they will carry with them forever. A fundraising campaign established for the family described Annsley as Ridge’s full-time caregiver and highlighted the enormous commitment required to care for him every day.

Eight months may seem impossibly short for a lifetime of memories.

But Ridge filled those months with something his family will never measure in days or weeks: love. 💛

His time was brief, but the little boy behind the pH๏τographs, the medical appointments and the difficult days will be remembered for the smile he gave his family and for the love that surrounded him from the moment he arrived.

Ridge Watts was here. He was deeply loved. And his family will carry that love forward. 🦋💙