Kenneth Mitchell, who is best known for his roles on Star Trek: Discovery, has reportedly passed away at the age of 49.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mitchell’s family announced he died from ALS complications. “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend,” his family wrote.
Kenneth Mitchell’s family then wrote about how he spent the past five and a half years battling ALS. “And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment,” the message reads. “To living a full and joyous life in each moment. He lived by the [principle] that each day is a gift and we never walk alone.”
The actor’s family further pointed out his life is an example of how full one can be when one lives with love, compassion, humor, inclusion, and community. “Ken was an inspirational work of art to all the hearts he touched.”
Kenneth Mitchell is survived by his wife Susan, and their children Lilah and Kallum. Others include his parents Diane and David, brother Sean (Norah), in-laws Sally and Bill Pratt, and sister-in-law Beth (Ajay). He also had nieces and nephews Kiran, Jyoti, Avery, and Eliza.
He also had two cats Chai and Cinna.
Before his passing, Mitchell requested any gifts to be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children.
Kenneth Mitchell Spoke About His ALS Diagnosis in 2020
In 2020, Kenneth Mitchell opened up in an interview with PEOPLE about his ALS diagnosis. He had experienced constant twitching in his muscles in the months leading up to his diagnosis in August 2018. Originally, he thought he was suffering from a pinch nerve or multiple sclerosis (MS).
“The moment that they told us it was [ALS], it was like I was in my own movie,” Mitchell explained. “That’s what it felt like, like I was watching that scene where someone is being told that they have a terminal illness. It was just a complete disbelief, a shock.”
Kenneth Mitchell further explained that there was something “really simple and beautiful” about how he and his wife were working through the diagnosis. “We grieved and mourned really hard. There was so much unknown.”
Mitchell then said the diagnosis forced him and his family to change their everyday life. “I think it, over time, became the theme of us accepting this with grace,” he continued. “Trying to see the beauty in it, in a way.”
He also revealed how his Star Trek co-stars reacted to the news. “They had dealt with some trying times with illnesses and stuff,” he added. “And I remember them communicating to me, saying, ‘You have a choice. You can look at this in many different ways, but maybe try to look at this like a gift where you get to experience life in a way that most people don’t.’”