“Game of Thrones” actor Michael Patrick has died at the age of 35.
Patrick’s wife, Naomi Sheehan, shared the news on Instagram, revealing that her husband passed away in Northern Ireland on April 7 while in hospice care.
Patrick was known for his appearances in several TV shows, including playing a Wildling rioter on “Game of Thrones” and roles in “This Town” and “Blue Lights.”
Sheehan shared a photo from the couple’s wedding day on Instagram along with the following message:
“He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are. It’s been said more than once that Mick was 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,” she wrote.
“He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man. 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.”
What Was Actor Michael Patrick’s Cause of Death?
In her Instagram post, Sheehan did not state a cause of death, but she did explain that her husband was diagnosed with motor neuron disease on Feb. 1, 2023.
Ten days before his death, he was admitted to Northern Ireland Hospice care.
Over the last three years, Patrick shared several updates on his condition with his Instagram followers. In August 2025, the actor filmed a video to thank everyone who had donated money to help pay for several items to help him adjust to his limited mobility, including a wheelchair, bed and van.
What Is Motor Neuron Disease?
Motor neuron disease, known also as MND, is a “group of neurological disorders that gradually destroy your motor neurons,” per the Cleveland Clinic.
Motor neurons are “nerve cells that control muscle movement involved in activities like breathing, speaking, swallowing and walking.”
“If you have a motor neuron disease (MND), these motor neurons gradually become damaged over time, leading to disability and eventually death,” the clinic’s website reads.
Over the course of the disease, weakened motor neurons can cause muscle stiffness and overactive reflexes.
“This can make voluntary movements difficult and slow. Over time, you may lose the ability to walk and control other movements,” the Cleveland Clinic adds.
While there isn’t currently a cure for MND, there are treatments to help navigate the disease’s symptoms.
There are several types of MNDs, including the following:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP)
- Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
- Progressive muscular atrophy (PMA)
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Kennedy’s disease
- Post-polio syndrome (PPS)
Symptoms of Motor Neuron Disease
The symptoms of notor neuron disease “occur gradually,” per the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Weakness in legs or ankles
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Weakened grip
- Slurred speech
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty stopping yourself from laughing or crying
- Weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Repeated chest infections
- Confusion and/or trouble with concentration and/or memory
- Morning headaches
