Kenneth Mitchell, well-known for his roles in "Star Trek," passed away on Saturday. His age was 49.
More than five years ago, Mitchell received a diagnosis of ALS, a neurological disease, as per a message shared on his Instagram page.
He experienced "awful challenges" throughout those years, the statement said.
And in true Ken fashion, he managed to rise above each one with grace and commitment to living a full and joyous life in each moment.
"He lived by the principles that each day is a gift and that we never walk alone," stated the statement.
Over 30,000 individuals are thought to have ALS in the United States, and 5,000 new cases are reported annually on average.
In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Mitchell disclosed his illnesses to the public for the first time.
Mitchell told PEOPLE, "It felt like I was in my own movie the moment they told us it was [ALS]."