Bella Diorio

It is with deep sadness that we are announcing the passing of Isabella Rose Diorio, who left this Earth on July 20th, 2020, at 5:43 PM.  Her sudden and unexpected death was a blow to all who knew this amazing, talented and loving 19 year old woman. 

On July 4th, 2020, Bella experienced acute shortness of breath and subsequently a seizure as she was rushed by ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai emergency room.  There it was discovered that she had suffered a massive pulmonary embolism resulting in cardiac arrest, significant loss of oxygen to the brain, and that she had entered into a coma.  Over the ensuing week Bella underwent five surgeries in a heroic attempt to heal from this event, however during her treatment she suffered a significant stroke. After consulting with top neurologists and multiple teams at Cedars-Sinai, corroborated by UCLA Medical, it was established that the lack of oxygen to the brain from the initial embolism and subsequent stroke resulted in damage that was catastrophic and unrecoverable.  Her father James and mother Lulie together chose to allow her to remain comfortable for the time she had left, and she entered hospice after spending 14 days in the ICU, still in a coma from which she never recovered.  She was continually surrounded by family and friends and she passed peacefully and without pain three days later in her father’s arms.

She has left behind loving family and friends too many to mention by name but which include: father James Diorio and partner Sofia Koo, mother Lulie Herigstad and stepfather Alf Herigstad, stepsister Sheena Herigstad, grandmother Patricia Diorio, grandmother Lauris Newcomb, great godmother OJ Zeleny, godparents Jennifer Powell and Coburn Hawk, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins that were like siblings and, importantly, her crew: Jolie, Sophia, Kevin, Michelle, Elijah and Alex, all of whom made the adventure of life a sweet one.

It’s hard to even consider the loss of someone so young and vibrant.  A devoted friend and champion for the underdog, Bella was a triumph of the spirit. Diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum, she had spent her life learning not to simply manage being functional but instead how to harness it; how to celebrate, laugh and thrive, and turn a perceived disadvantage into a wholly embraced strength such that it was largely unnoticeable and, moreover, a well from which her art flowed.  

An accomplished artist, she has left a legacy of thousands of works ranging from rough sketches to finished pieces.  She worked across all forms of media, though her favorites were professional artist’s marker and digital art.  A frequent attendee and exhibitor at the Anime Expo, Bella had a booth in Artist Alley every year, beginning in 2012 when she was 11 years old.  There she showcased and sold her original art, fan art and commissions, often while cosplaying as her favorite characters. You can view her art at: http://www.SapphireDragonsArt.com

Bella used her considerable talent to quell her demons and to further pursue her dreams.  She was the recipient of the largest scholarship offered by Otis College of Art and Design, where she was set to attend in Fall 2020.  She lived with her father in Los Angeles and had a loving relationship with his partner Sofia, who had recently joined them to form a happy and playful family.  She would also excitedly travel to Washington to visit her mother and stepfather Alf, both of whom she loved and adored. 

Bella’s last years were ones of laughing, dreaming, drawing, thriving and, most of all, showing us that neurodivergence could be a beautiful asset.

“What can I do?” is a question often asked.   What’s left is Bella’s legacy, and as a contribution we’d love to hear your stories about Bella and how she impacted your life. Please use this site as a vehicle to share such stories and photos. If these memories are personal or private you may forward them directly to the family, however please note that responses may not be immediate due to the circumstances. 

We have also set up the initial memorial fund which is designed to support highly functioning artists on the Autsistic Spectrum. You can find more information about the fund at http://www.belladiorio.org or, via her art site, http://www.sapphiredragonsart.com.

For information on future foundation events expcted in 2021 please message James directly.