Hey, I just heard some really sad news about Irish actor Michael Patrick. You might remember him from an episode of Game of Thrones, but sadly, he passed away recently after a tough battle with a serious illness.
Michael’s wife, Naomi, shared the heartbreaking announcement of his passing on Instagram on April 8, 2026. She revealed, “Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on February 1, 2023. He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are.”
So what is this motor neurone disease that took Michael from us? Let’s dive a bit deeper into this condition.
What Character Did Michael Patrick Play in Game of Thrones?
Michael made his mark in season six of Game of Thrones as the Wildling Rioter.
Details Surrounding Michael Patrick’s Death
As Naomi mentioned earlier, motor neurone disease was the cause of Michael’s decline and ultimately, his passing.
In her touching tribute on Instagram, she remembered him as an “inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life.”
“He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger-haired man,” Naomi continued. “We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years. Mick loved this quote from Brendan Behan, and this feels appropriate now: ‘The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.’ So, don’t overthink it. Eat. Drink. Love.”
Back in December 2025, the couple even launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Michael’s tracheostomy, which impressively raised $100,000.
Understanding Motor Neurone Disease
Motor neurone disease (MND) encompasses a range of neurological disorders that gradually impair a person’s motor neurons, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. These motor neurons are essential for controlling muscle movements associated with fundamental activities like walking, talking, and even swallowing.
Messages are relayed from the brain’s upper motor neurons down to the spinal cord’s lower motor neurons.
When the muscles stop receiving signals from these lower motor neurons, it can lead to stiffness in the muscles.
Is There a Cure for Motor Neurone Disease?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for MND.
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