Follow Newser on Twitter   Friend Newser on Facebook
Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Microsoft Prodigy Dies at 16

Bill Gates offered to pay for Arfa Karim's medical care

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2012 12:17 AM CST | Updated Jan 17, 2012 7:00 AM CST

(Newser) – A computer prodigy known as "Pakistan's girl wonder" has died at the age of 16 from complications caused by an epileptic stroke. Arfa Karim was just nine years old when she became the youngest person ever awarded the "Microsoft Certified Professional" title for mastering the company's programs, the Daily Mail reports. She was invited to visit Microsoft's US headquarters, and met execs including Bill Gates.

Karim's dream was to work for Microsoft after completing her studies. After learning that Karim had been hospitalized, Gates reached out to her family and offered to pay for her medical care. He offered to fly her to the US for treatment, but because she was on a ventilator, doctors decided against moving her. Her father thanked Gates for his efforts, and described his daughter as a spark "that got attention and love from everyone on the globe."

Arfa Karim had been in a coma since suffering an epileptic seizure last month.
Arfa Karim had been in a coma since suffering an epileptic seizure last month.   (Wikipedia)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
2%
2%
94%
1%
0%
1%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
BCS
Jan 18, 2012 3:38 AM CST
In other news, A crackhead who shits on public sidewalks and can no longer verbally form sentences turned 70 today. What a world.
danton3
Jan 17, 2012 12:39 PM CST
the isolation. the confused turmoil she must've been dealing with.
pg13
Jan 17, 2012 10:24 AM CST
Today I learned: MS-Windows causes epilepsy.

More Newser Stories

Microsoft Wars: Paul Allen Trashes Gates in New Book

Melinda Gates: Apple Banned at Our House

Paul Allen Will Give Away Billions

Carlos Slim Overtakes Bill Gates as World's Richest

Bill Gates Pledges $10B for Vaccines


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   Geek Sugar   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment