Star Trek star Kenneth Mitchell made his final social media post just two days before his death at age 49, following a five-year battle with ALS.
News of the Marvel actor’s passing was confirmed by his heartbroken family in an obituary posted to his Instagram on Sunday.
Mitchell had often shared updates and stories about her battle with ALS on social media, but her latest post to fans has poignant meaning.
He shared a series of AI images showing a series of male figures apparently drawing energy from trees, along with the caption: ‘CONNECT. Time. love’.
It was his first post on the platform since August 2023, where he spoke openly about his fatal motor neurone disease.
Star Trek star Kenneth Mitchell made his final social media post just two days before his death at age 49, following a five-year battle with ALS.
Following his death, a message shared by his loved ones shed some light on his final message.
Included in his tribute was a poem called ‘Connect’, written by Mitchell, which explained how he wants to be buried under the roots of a tree, so that its energy can live through him.
Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, in Star Trek: Discovery and voiced several characters in an episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Born on November 25, 1974 in Toronto, Mitchell starred in several films and television shows, including Captain Marvel, Miracle, Jericho, The Astronaut Wives Club, Ghost Whisperer and Switched at Birth.
He is survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children, Lilah and Kallum.
‘For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of terrible challenges due to ALS. [or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. And in true Ken style, he managed to overcome each one with grace and commitment to live a full and happy life in every moment,” her family said in an obituary posted on his Instagram.
“To those close to him, he was known as a hope seeker, a dreamer, a dream believer, a soccer player, a beach walker, a bear hugger, a landscaper, a garden grower, a canoe paddler, a happy camper, a nature explorer, a cat lover, a contagious laugh and a gift giving…’
He shared a series of AI images showing a series of male figures apparently drawing energy from trees, along with the caption: ‘CONNECT. Time. love’.
He is survived by his wife Susan May Pratt and their two children, Lilah and Kallum.
“Note sender, movie buff, art maker, music listener, sports connoisseur, detailed individual, Leafs supporter, world traveler, wisecracking uncle, little brother, Susan’s partner, and most of all, a proud father.”
In 2017, he told StarTrek.com in his role as Kol, “Whether someone is good or bad depends on perspective and understanding that culture.”
“You’ll meet the Klingons on our show and then people can decide if we’re really the villains.”
Mitchell was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in August 2018 and began using a wheelchair in October 2019. He publicly announced that he had the debilitating neurological disease in a February 2020 interview with People.
‘The moment they told us it was [ALS]”It was like I was in my own movie,” he said.
‘That’s what I felt, like I was watching that scene where someone is told they have a terminal illness. It was just complete disbelief, a shock.
His Star Trek: Discovery co-star Anthony Rapp shared Mitchell’s obituary on his Instagram Story, saying, “This wonderful man brightened the lives of many people.”
“I am privileged to have known him and will never forget his joyful kindness and incredible courage.”
Mitchell played the Klingons Kol, Kol-Sha, and Tenavik, as well as Aurellio, in Star Trek: Discovery and voiced several characters in an episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Mitchell starred in several films and television shows, including Captain Marvel, Miracle, Jericho, The Astronaut Wives Club, Ghost Whisperer, and Switched at Birth.
Fellow Canadian actor Donal Logue said on Instagram: “Just found out that @mr_kenneth_mitchell passed away. What a beautiful, sweet man, talented actor, great athlete and golden human being.”
‘I don’t know how people like Kenneth can overcome life’s toughest challenges with grace, strength and humility (and without an ounce of self-pity) like Kenneth did. A true Canadian legend now freed from the bondage of this mortal coil.’
A GoFundMe page set up by his wife’s friend, Carolyn Lewinsky, said: “Ken was loved by many people. And for those of us who were lucky enough to be in his orbit, he was always a pillar of strength.”
“Now it’s our turn to be there for him supporting the beautiful family he left behind.”