BREAKING: NBC News’ Richard Engel Says His Son, Henry, Is Dead At Age 6

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.

A heartbreaking update from chief foreign correspondent for NBC News, Richard Engel, revealed that his son Henry has died after a battle with Rett syndrome.

Henry was just 6 years old. Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that affects the way the brain develops. It has no cure and causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language.

“Our beloved son Henry passed away,” Engel wrote to Twitter. “He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a contagious giggle.”

“We always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. Mary and Richard,” he concluded.

In another tweet, Engel said, “Researchers are making amazing progress using Henry’s cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others don’t have to endure this terrible disease.”

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The fundraiser page notes that Henry died on Aug. 9, 2022.

Engel, 48, shared earlier this summer that Henry’s condition took a “turn for the worse” after developing dystonia, “a movement disorder in which your muscles contract involuntarily, causing repetitive or twisting movements,” per the Mayo Clinic.

“He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, but is now home and getting love from brother Theo,” he shared.

The journalist first shared in 2017 that Henry was diagnosed with Rett syndrome and in 2020 explained how the coronavirus lockdown had worsened his condition, which left him unable to “walk or talk” because he was not able to attend school.

“The kids would come up and kiss him, tussle his hair and bring him toys,” Engel shared. “He didn’t always respond as they expected, but the excitement in his eyes told them he enjoyed and appreciated it. Special needs kids have the most expressive eyes.”