Shortly after being released by the Baltimore Ravens last December, it was revealed that tight end Mitchell Henry was battling leukemia. It was some sad news surrounding the former undrafted free agent of the Green Bay Packers.
No one knew what the future held for Henry. But at just 24 years old, there was no real explanation for the leukemia diagnosis.
Sadly, just a month after taking to social media to ask for our prayers as he battled this horrible disease, Henry has passed away.
“Mitchell passed away with leukemia this morning at 3 am. Madison, Lesley, Ben and myself were by his side. We are so proud of Mitchell’s fight with this terrible disease, proud of how he lived his life for the past 24 years, but most of all proud of his faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior,” the family said in a statement on Friday.
Those close to Henry took to social media to pay their respects for a man that was lost way too soon.
Hard to match the type of man, son, husband, teammate, and friend @mitchhenry85 was. God has a plan and heaven gained a great one. RIP buddy pic.twitter.com/74YhU59xPA
— Coach Ryan Wallace (@Coach_RWallace) June 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/MW_XIV/status/880814364021968897
We offer our prayers and condolences to the family of EHS & WKU alum, Mitchell Henry, who lost his battle with cancer early this morning.
— EtownHighSchool (@EtownHighSchool) June 30, 2017
A product of Western Kentucky, Henry’s release from the Ravens in December came with a caveat. The team told him that it planned on re-signing him later in the week and told the tight end to remain in the area. Instead, Henry decided to return to his native Kentucky to go hunting with his father and spend time with his wife.
While in Kentucky, Henry went to the doctors. They found a mass in his chest, which led to chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the toughest battle of Henry’s young life resulted in his death during the early morning hours of Friday.
Our thoughts are with the entire Henry family during these most difficult of times.