Hey there, friends. Let’s take a moment to honor a truly remarkable young boy named Henry Engel. Henry was the cherished son of NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel and his wife, Mary Forrest. Tragically, Henry passed away after a courageous battle with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. He was only six years old. Henry leaves behind not just his heartbroken parents but also his brother Theo. Today, we’ll share more about Henry’s life, his family, and the love that surrounded him.

Henry Engel’s Brave Journey with Rett Syndrome

On August 18, Richard and Mary shared the heartbreaking news of their son’s passing through a poignant tweet. "Our beloved son Henry passed away," they wrote. "He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile, and a contagious giggle." Henry’s life was marked by immense strength and resilience as he faced developmental challenges from an early age. In 2017, he was officially diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a condition that affects brain development. Despite these hurdles, Henry’s spirit shone brightly, touching everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Father’s Love: Richard Engel’s Emotional Reflections

Richard Engel has always been open about his deep connection with Henry. Back when Henry was just three years old, Richard penned a heartfelt essay for Today. In it, he described the overwhelming joy he felt when Henry first called him "Dada." For many parents, those words might seem like a simple milestone. But for Richard, it was a powerful affirmation of the bond between father and son. "When I got the Dada from him, I went a little wild," Richard revealed. He went on to explain how that moment validated everything he and Mary had hoped for—that Henry recognized and loved them.

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Richard also acknowledged the realities of Henry’s condition. "He's probably not going to walk, probably not going to speak, probably not going to have any mental capacity beyond the level of a 2-year-old," he wrote. Yet, despite these challenges, Richard and Mary cherished every second they had with their son. Their love for Henry was boundless, and they celebrated every small victory along the way.

A Love Story: Richard and Mary’s Marriage

Richard Engel and Mary Forrest’s love story began in 2010 when they met while working on Martha Stewart’s daytime talk show. At the time, Richard was a frequent guest, and Mary was part of the production team. Their chemistry was undeniable, and five years later, they tied the knot in a beautiful civil ceremony at New York City Hall on May 29, 2015.

Even before their wedding, Mary was already pregnant with Henry. Richard proudly announced the news on Twitter, saying, "So happy. Just got married! To @MaryKForrest. My longtime love and girlfriend." The couple welcomed Henry into the world on September 29, 2015. From the very beginning, Henry was surrounded by an abundance of love and support.

Welcoming Theo: The Arrival of a Second Son

The Engel family grew even larger in August 2019 with the birth of their second son, Theo. Richard couldn’t contain his excitement when he shared the news on the Today Show. In a heartfelt email, he wrote, "Mary and I are so excited to introduce our new son Theodore (Theo). He’s healthy, happy (unless you unwrap his swaddle) and thirsty. We couldn’t be more in love. And now Henry is a big brother, too." Richard added, "Life has twists, turns, and new beginnings. This is Theo’s first chapter, and a new one for our family. We’re excited, nervous, and thankful."

Theo’s Loving Bond with Henry

As brothers, Theo and Henry shared a special connection. In May 2022, Richard captured a touching moment on Twitter when Theo gave his bedridden brother sweet kisses. At the time, Henry’s health had taken a turn for the worse, but his family remained committed to giving him all the love and care he needed. After a six-week hospital stay, Richard shared that Henry was finally home, surrounded by the warmth and affection of his little brother Theo.

Henry Engel’s life may have been short, but it was filled with love, courage, and grace. His parents, Richard and Mary, continue to honor his memory by sharing their experiences and spreading awareness about Rett syndrome. As we reflect on Henry’s life, let’s remember the profound impact one little boy can have on the hearts of those who loved him.