Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, known for his performances in Star Trek: Discovery And Captain Marvelamong others, died five years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis known as Lou Gehrig.

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The news of his death, which occurred on Saturday, was announced by his family through social networks.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Alexander Mitchell, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and friend,” the message read.

Mitchell, 49, has had an extensive film and television career in which he played an Olympic hopeful, an apocalypse survivor, an astronaut, Carol Danvers' father in Captain Marvel of 2019 and the unforgettable Star Trekrecalled his family in the press release.

But most of all, they remembered him as a dreamer, lover of the beach, rowing canoes, growing gardens and landscaping, music, cats, a sports enthusiast, partner of Susan (wife and mother of his children) “and nothing more, a proud father” to Lilah and Kallum. He is also survived by his parents Diane and David.

“Ken was diligent and hardworking in everything he did, but as a father, these traits found their full expression. He was extremely dedicated to being a positive and fun force in his children's lives. He will always be proud of what his children have become.” , also indicates the message from his family.

It further notes that the actor, who was diagnosed with the illness in 2018, was grateful “for the enormous amount of love and endless support he received from his community throughout this journey, for the resilience and strength demonstrated by his extraordinary wife, family and friends.”

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the nervous system that affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and worsening over time.

It's called Lou Gehrig's disease, after the Yankee baseball player who was diagnosed with the disease. The cause is not yet known and in a small number of cases it is hereditary, according to data from the Mayo Clinic in the United States.

It is more common in men in whom symptoms appear a little before the age of 65, although there have been cases where it has appeared between the ages of 20 and 30.