Richard Engel from NBC News’ son Henry dies of Rett Syndrome

Richard Engel faced a big family loss.

Henry Engel, the 6-year-old son of Richard Engel, the head foreign reporter for NBC News, has passed away after a fight with Rett syndrome. On Thursday, the 48-year-old anchor tweeted the breaking news.

“Our beloved son Henry passed away. Engel, who shared Henry with his wife Mary Forrest, wrote in the tweet, “He had the softest blue eyes, an easy smile and a contagious giggle, we always surrounded him with love and he returned it, and so much more. Mary and Richard.”

Engel noted in a subsequent tweet that Henry's cells are being used for an ongoing study into the uncommon condition.

In order to save others from having to suffer from this dreadful sickness, he stated, “Researchers are making amazing progress using Henry’s cells to help cure RETT Syndrome so others don’t have to endure this terrible disease.”

A link to the Texas Children's Hospital website, which had a memorial for the small child, was located beneath the notification. Henry passed away on August 9 according to the page.

The message read, “Henry Engel – a beautiful child and a true hero for fighting Rett syndrome and inspiring researchers to find a treatment – sadly passed away on August 9, 2022.”