Actor Mike Heslin has tragically passed away at the age of 30 due to an unexpected cardiac arrest, as announced by his husband, Scotty Dynamo, on Instagram. Heslin, known for his roles in “Special Ops: Lioness” and “The Holiday Proposal Plan,” died on July 2 after a week-long battle in the hospital.
Dynamo, who described Heslin as his “best friend” and “soulmate,” shared that the actor was in perfect health, and doctors have no explanation for the sudden cardiac event. Alongside a heartfelt message, Dynamo posted a slideshow of photos capturing moments from Heslin’s life, including their wedding day.
In his emotional tribute, Dynamo described Heslin as a “brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel” who had been a pillar of support during Dynamo’s multiple rounds of cancer treatment. He expressed his profound grief, stating, “When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant.”
The couple had been in the early stages of starting a family, with Heslin expressing his desire to be a father. Dynamo concluded his message with a touching quote from Shania Twain: “Michael, in the words of Shania Twain: I’ll love you ‘forever and for always.'”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover the costs of Heslin’s funeral and hospital expenses. The actor’s last social media post showed him sitting poolside with Dynamo, appearing healthy and happy.
Heslin’s sudden death has left family, friends, and fans in shock and confusion. One person commented under Dynamo’s post, “This is just incomprehensible. Sending you all the love I have.”
Sudden cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly, is a leading cause of death among young athletes but remains relatively rare. The National Institutes of Health notes that it can be particularly devastating due to its sudden and unexpected nature.
Heslin’s acting credits include appearances in “Special Ops: Lioness,” “The Holiday Proposal Plan,” “The Influencers,” “Younger,” and “7 Deadly Sins.” He also starred in the 2020 TV movie “Boy*Friends.”
Dynamo, who has been with Heslin since 2018 and married him in November 2023, shared a series of photos and a tear-jerking eulogy on social media. He noted that Heslin died just three weeks shy of his 31st birthday and four months before their first wedding anniversary.
In his tribute, Dynamo described Heslin as “the sweetest, most caring, and loving man on earth” and said he would name his future son after him if he ever became a father. He added, “I hope that I manage to raise him to become at least half the man you are.”
Dynamo also revealed that Heslin had expressed a wish to be an organ donor, a decision that has already saved four lives. “It brings me peace to know that, through your wish to be a donor, you have given the gift of life to four different families,” he wrote.
Orange Is the New Black alum Kimiko Glenn, a lifelong friend of Heslin’s, also paid tribute to him on social media. She shared several photos and memories, expressing her disbelief and sorrow. “At your wedding, I said you were perfect, and it was true to the very end,” she wrote. “You always did the right thing, you were constantly considering others. I’ve never once been mad at you — how is that even possible?”
Glenn also highlighted Heslin’s decision to be an organ donor, saying, “The only thing that makes your passing feel bearable is that you have saved four other lives by being a donor. The most compassionate, generous, sweetheart of a man. My best friend, my angel. I love you forever, Michael. Thank you for being a friend.”
The GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover Heslin’s unexpected hospitalization and funeral costs has raised nearly $50,000 in three days. Glenn noted that Heslin’s family had already suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of his brother, Robert, who also died unexpectedly at age 30 in March 2023.
Heslin’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Dynamo’s tribute encapsulates the profound impact Heslin had on everyone around him: “Michael, meeting you was the best thing to ever happen to me. You are my world. You are everything to me. When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant. But I will take it one day at a time like you always told me to, and live every day in your honor.”
Source: UPI, The Independent, Instagram
