Beloved Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his roles in Star Trek: Discovery and the Marvel film Captain Marvel, has sadly passed away at the age of 49 due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The news was confirmed through a statement released on his verified Instagram account.

The statement announced the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, describing him as a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son, and dear friend to many. It revealed that Mitchell had bravely faced the challenges of ALS for five and a half years with tremendous grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life.

Mitchell’s life served as a shining example of love, compassion, humor, inclusion, and community. He believed in treasuring each day as a gift and never walking alone. During his time, Mitchell portrayed various roles in Star Trek: Discovery, including Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio. The entire Star Trek family expressed their condolences to Mitchell’s family, friends, loved ones, and fans worldwide through a statement on the official Star Trek website.

Apart from his contributions to Star Trek, Mitchell also starred in the Marvel film Captain Marvel and the post-apocalyptic television series Jericho, among other projects. He leaves behind his wife Susan May Pratt, their two children, and a request for any gifts to be directed towards ALS research or in support of his children’s future, as mentioned in the Instagram statement.

ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, sees an average of 5,000 people diagnosed each year in the US. Its symptoms include difficulty walking, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and eventually impacts on basic functions like chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.