Ryan Hadley, the renowned tattoo artist and former contestant on Ink Master, has passed away at the age of 46. The Indiana gallery owner, who competed in Season 6 of the Paramount competition series, died on Thursday. His death comes two months after he revealed that his cancer had become “non-treatable” and had spread to his liver and lungs.
“Ryan left this world last night surrounded by loved ones,” his family announced in a heartfelt post. “While his life was cut short, he left a legacy in both the art and tattoo world. He loved his many fans, friends, clients, and most of all, his children. He’ll be missed and always remembered. A legend forever. #rip #fuckcancer.”
In December, Hadley disclosed his diagnosis of seminoma, a malignant germ cell tumor that typically develops in the testicle but can also affect the brain, chest, abdomen, and other parts of the body. He shared his health struggles with his 32,000 Instagram followers while undergoing chemotherapy, which he started “earlier than expected.” He also sought donations through a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses.
“The last time I went through this, it nearly killed me and scared the hell outta me,” he wrote at the time. “I have no other option but to do the chemotherapy and to make sure I do not get sick while going through the cycles of chemotherapy this time around. Thank you for reading, and I’m hoping to make it through this to the end.”
In April, Hadley expressed his gratitude to his supporters but shared the devastating news that the chemotherapy had not been successful. “I made the decision to follow the oncologist’s orders and do everything they asked for during my treatments,” he wrote. “Chemotherapy wasn’t for me, and now my cancer has spread to my liver and lungs. This is a non-treatable cancer in my liver, and death is the outcome.”
He continued, “I may be around for another week or maybe another three months. Either way, it tears me apart that I’m leaving my children behind. Death doesn’t scare me in any way; it’s the fact of abandonment with my kids that pisses me off, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ll keep everyone updated to a certain point in all this. I’ll be signing off very soon forever.”
Ryan Hadley’s legacy in the tattoo and art world will be remembered by many. His contributions and the impact he made on his fans, friends, and family will not be forgotten.
Source: Deadline
