Ryan Reynolds Mourns Death of 15-Year-Old Fan from Cancer: 'He Was Pure Goodness'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ryan Reynolds.Photo:John Nacion/Variety via Getty

John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Ryan Reynoldsis paying tribute to a late fan and cancer patient.

On Feb. 5, the family of Aiden Waller shared that the 15-year-old boy had died following his three-year battle with bone cancer. A longtime Wrexham AFC fan, Aiden joined Reynolds — who co-owns the Welsh football team — for a game in August 2022.

Aiden’s mother Sarah announced the passing of her son on X, sharing a photo of him, Reynolds and Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney.

“Aiden sadly passed away this morning peacefully. No pain and holding our hands,” she wrote. “He fought a hard 3 year battle with a strength we could only wish to have. Forever smiling.”

Sarah then thanked Reynolds, 48, for “making a dream come true.”

Reynolds responded with a sweet tribute, expressing his condolences to Aiden’s family and praising the young man’s spirit.

“I’m sorry, Sarah. He was pure goodness,” Reynolds wrote. “No parent should go thru this.”

He added, “His visits were as much for you as they were for him. He had a sense of wellbeing and a sense of calm because you gave him YOURS. That sacrifice is unimaginable. You’re welcome at our club and town forever.”

McElhenney, 47, also addressed Aiden’s family and offered his sympathies.

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Reynolds recentlyinvitedanother fan, a cancer patient named Riley, to watch a Wrexham game with him. He shared a video of their digital meeting to X, warmly greeting Riley who was wearing aDeadpool & Wolverineshirt — referencing Reynolds' titular character.

“You’ve been going through a lot, and I cannot wait to meet you,” Reynolds said, before extending a Wrexham invitation to the boy. “I’m going to make sure this is one of the best days of your life.”

source: people.com