Michael Patrick, known for his appearance in Game of Thrones, has died at the age of 35, three years after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.
His wife, Naomi Sheehan, announced the news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, revealing that he passed away peacefully in hospice care in Northern Ireland, surrounded by family and friends. He had been admitted to hospice just 10 days before his death.
Patrick was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in February 2023, a progressive condition that damages the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles involved in movement, breathing, speaking and swallowing. There is currently no cure for most forms of the disease, although research into new treatments continues.
In a heartfelt tribute, Sheehan described her late husband as an inspiration to all who knew him. “Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are,” she wrote. “Patrick lived a life as full as any human can live joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter.”
The specific type of motor neuron disease he suffered from has not been disclosed. In his final social media post on February 6, Patrick shared that a neurologist had given him just one year to live.
Beyond his acting role as a wildling rioter in a season six episode of Game of Thrones, Patrick had an academic background in science, having studied at the University of Cambridge. He was also a performer with the renowned Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe, showcasing his talent both on stage and screen.
