NBC News anchor Richard Engel is grieving the loss of his beloved 6-year-old son, Henry, who passed away after a courageous battle with Rett syndrome—a rare and life-altering neurological disorder. Richard shared the heart-wrenching news on Thursday, August 18, through a heartfelt post on social media. Henry left this world peacefully on August 9, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength.
In a statement that captured the depth of their sorrow yet celebrated Henry's life, Richard and his wife, Mary Forrest, wrote, "Our beloved son Henry passed away. 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." The couple concluded their tribute by signing off as "Mary and Richard," highlighting the unity of their family in both joy and grief.
Henry’s Journey: A Family’s Unwavering Love
Henry was born into a loving family where he was cherished by both his parents, Richard Engel and Mary Forrest, whom Richard married in 2015. Together, they also welcomed another child, son Theo, born in August 2019. Richard has always been open about the challenges his family faced while caring for Henry, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an August 2020 essay for Today, Richard gave a poignant update on his eldest son’s condition.
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At the time, Henry was approaching his fifth birthday. Despite his vibrant spirit, he faced significant physical limitations. Richard described how Henry couldn’t walk or talk and struggled with basic tasks like feeding himself efficiently. As Henry grew older, his mobility became even more restricted. Richard reflected on how Henry once managed to army crawl using his elbows and knees but eventually grew too heavy to continue doing so. These details painted a vivid picture of the daily realities Henry and his family navigated with grace and resilience.
Henry’s Final Days: A Moment of Connection
In May 2022, Richard shared a touching video on Twitter that captured a tender moment between Henry and his younger brother, Theo. In the clip, Theo sat beside Henry as he lay in bed, offering comfort and love. Richard’s accompanying caption revealed the gravity of Henry’s condition at the time. "For everyone following Henry’s story, unfortunately, he’s taken a turn for the worse," Richard wrote. "His condition progressed and he developed dystonia—an uncontrolled shaking and stiffness. After spending six weeks in the hospital, Henry returned home to be surrounded by the love of his family."
Henry was diagnosed with Rett syndrome during infancy after undergoing genetic testing. Since then, Richard has been candid about the emotional and physical toll of watching his son battle the condition. However, there were moments of pure joy amid the hardships. One such moment occurred in March 2019 when Henry said "Dada" for the very first time. Richard shared this milestone with Today, explaining its profound significance. "To parents with typically developing children, a little 'Dada' may not seem like a big deal," Richard noted. "But for me, it was a validation—an acknowledgment that he’s in there, knows me, knows that his mother and I are forces for good in his life, and above all, that he loves us."
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
The Texas Children’s Hospital established a fundraiser in Henry’s name to support ongoing efforts to find a cure for Rett syndrome. Dr. Huda Zoghbi, a renowned researcher who met Henry in 2018 while studying his mutation at the hospital’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute, expressed her sorrow over Henry’s passing. "Henry was special in so many ways," Dr. Zoghbi said. "His loving and endearing smile, and the way he connected with his eyes, stole my heart from the moment I met him. His quiet fight against this terrible disease was nothing short of incredible. What stands out most, however, is the profound impact Henry had on all of us at the Duncan NRI and on our Rett research. We will continue to work tirelessly to develop treatments, and this is how we will honor his life."
