Evan Leversage, the terminally ill Ontario boy who made headlines around the world when his town banded together to help him celebrate Christmas in October, has died, his family confirmed Sunday.

In a news release, Evan's mother Nicole Wellwood said he was “peaceful and content” when he passed away.

“I was holding him as he took one last deep breath and I knew at that very moment, that this would be his last,” Wellwood said in a written statement released Sunday.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes but he died with the most beautiful smile on his face. It was as if he knew his mommy needed to see that to know that he was ok and now in a better place. Evan will always be with me in my heart.”

Evan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour just days before his second birthday. He underwent a total of 100 rounds of chemotherapy but ultimately, the treatment was not effective in shrinking the tumour.

In September, Evan's doctors said his parents should consider celebrating Christmas early because he was not expected to live to see his favourite holiday.

The St. George, Ont. boy gained international attention after his town jumped into action and staged Christmas for Evan two months early. Community members decorated homes and businesses and even held a Santa Claus parade where Ontario Provincial Police gave Evan the title of honourary constable.

Over the past two months, Evan crossed off a number of other items on his bucket list, including attending a Leafs game, seeing Niagara Falls, eating out at Chuck E. Cheese’s, and watching “Hotel Transylvania 2” with his best friend.

Evan was admitted to the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford on Nov. 4 when his condition became too difficult to manage at home. The little boy died early Sunday morning, the hospice confirmed.

"I feel so blessed to have had this sweet little boy in my life for the last 7 years. It was like he was put on this earth with a purpose to share his love and light with everyone who met him. While my heart has broken, it is slowly being mended by the outpouring of love and support that we have received at this time," Wellwood said.

“The Hospice allowed me to be Evan’s mom again, and not his caregiver. I will never forget the special moments I’ve been able to share with Evan and my family at the Hospice, because of their care and support.”

Ron Eddy, the mayor of Brant County, told CP24 Sunday night that the community was "extremely sad" to hear the news of Evan's passing.

"Even though we knew that it was going to happen... It is still a terrible shock," he said. 

The mayor added that St. George residents were very happy to be able to bring some joy to Evan's life with the Christmas celebration. 

"There was a deep desire by the citizens and visitors of the area to do an all-out celebration of Christmas," he said. 

"That is exactly what happened." 

Funeral details are expected to finalized in the next few days.