The Star Trek fandom is devastated today by the death of Star Trek: Discovery actor Kenneth Mitchell, who passed away Saturday at just 49.
Kenneth Mitchell died after a lengthy battle with ALS, his family confirmed via Twitter. “With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and dear friend,” they wrote captioning a lengthy tribute to the late star.
“For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of awful challenges from ALS. And in truest Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment, to living a full and joyous life in each moment. He lived by the principals that each day is a gift and we never walk alone,” his family continued.
News of the Star Trek star’s death was met with an outpouring of love from his many fans, who took to social media to pay their respects.
Rest in Peace to a beloved member of the #StarTrek community, Mr. Kenneth Mitchell.
— Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (@IBJIYONGI) February 25, 2024
The galaxy is better because you were in it. pic.twitter.com/sdy99Yr88r
“Glad you’re at peace and not in any more pain, Kenneth. Tell the Great Bird of the Galaxy we all said hi, and thanks for so many memories. To your family: your dad was amazing & he will be with you, always. Keep him in your heart & remember he is very very proud of you,” one fan wrote.
“My sincerest condolences for your loss. I didn’t meet Ken but he clearly made both this universe and the Star Trek universe a better place. Thanks for sharing him with us,” another said.
My condolences. The Trek family has lost an incredible spirit. Sleep well Ken 🖖🏻💜
— Connie 💜 (@uk_locutus) February 25, 2024
Kenneth Mitchell Opened Up About His ALS Battle Years Before His Death
In a 2020 interview with People, Kenneth Mitchell gave a look inside his battle with ALS, sharing how he and his family coped with the disease.
“I think it, over time, became the theme of us accepting this with grace,” Mitchell explained. “Trying to see the beauty in it, in a way.”
“I’ll never forget, one of my Star Trek costars told me, because they had dealt with some trying times with illnesses and stuff, 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.'”
“From that point on, it became, ‘Let’s just spend time with the family,'” he continued. “We took a couple vacations. Pulled the kids out of school. We had meetings with all their schools, with the principal, the counselors, their teachers. Everyone was in support and understanding the situation.”
The Star Trek world shared a tribute to Kenneth Mitchell of their own. “The entire Star Trek family sends their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans around the world,” they wrote.