Kelis’ husband Mike Mora dies at 37: The photographer passed away six months after being diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer.
- In 2020, the photographer was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was told he had 18 months to live.
- A statement released by Kelis’s agent said: “Unfortunately, it is true that Mike Mora has passed away. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Kelis and her family.”
Kelis’ husband Mike Mora has died at the age of 37 after battling stage four stomach cancer.
Photographer Mike revealed he had cancer in September 2021 and was diagnosed a year earlier when doctors gave him only 18 months to live.
Representatives for Kelis, 42, confirmed her husband’s death in a statement (via ET), asking fans to respect her privacy during this time.
RIP: Kelis’ husband Mike Mora has died at age 37 after battling stage four stomach cancer (pictured together in October 2021)
“Unfortunately, it is true that Mike Mora has passed away. We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Kelis and her family right now. Thank you,” said Steve Satterwaite of Red Light Management.
The singer has not yet commented on her husband’s death on her social media.
Kelis and Mora married in 2014 and welcomed son Shepherd in 2015 and a daughter in September 2020, whose name has not been released.
Long-term couple: Kelis and Mike got married in 2014 and welcomed their second child, a daughter, in September 2020. They also have a six year old son named Shepard.
The singer also has a 12-year-old son, Knight, with ex-husband Nas, whom she was married to from 2005 to 2010.
Kelis and Mora have been living on a remote farm in Temecula, California outside of Los Angeles since January 2020, which they have managed and raised their children together.
In late September 2021, Mora took to his Instagram to reveal that he had stage 4 stomach cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes on his back.
Cancer: Mora took to his Instagram at the end of September 2021 to report that he had stage 4 stomach cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes in his back.
He shared a photo of a UCLA man that “was taken while I was being transferred to the UC Santa Monica Oncology Department from the nearby Ronald Reagan Hospital.”
“This gentleman, Latin brotha, has seen how weak I am. He looked back at me before leaving my room and said “I’ve seen people come out of the craziest situations, be strong bro you got it.” I will never forget his face…” Mora said.
“They said 18 months. Exactly 12 have passed. That’s it.. Scared as F¥#%… The story will continue.. Love you @kelis,” he concluded.
Another photographer, Brian Bowen Smith, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram on Monday.
Tribute: On Monday, another photographer, Brian Bowen Smith, shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram.
Tribute: Musician Dallas Austin also posted an Instagram tribute, adding, “All I can say is we LOVE YOU DEARLY, Mikey,” with a red heart.
“Saddened to hear that our dear friend Mike passed away last night. It was such a pleasure to work with you. I loved all your questions and your passion for your family and photography,” he began.
‘Reminds me of me. Sending love to my wife and family. Mike was sick for a minute, but he enjoyed being on set. Today we will think of you in every frame. A great example of why you need to live every day to the fullest.
“And be very full every day you are here. I love you MM. Way soon. He was an amazing photographer and would go far. The sweetest guy I’ve ever met. check out his @mikemorafotos page,” he concluded.
Musician Dallas Austin also posted an Instagram tribute, adding, “All I can say is we LOVE YOU DEARLY, Mikey,” with a red heart emoji.
WHAT IS GASTRIC CANCER?
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a relatively rare type of cancer that affects about 6,600 people in the UK each year.
The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easily confused with other less serious conditions.
These include: heartburn or indigestion that doesn’t go away, severe belching, lack of appetite, and feeling full after eating small amounts.
Other possible symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, nausea, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, feeling tired, and sometimes shortness of breath due to anemia.
Because the early symptoms are similar to many conditions, gastric cancer is often advanced by the time it is diagnosed.
Source: NHS Choice and Macmillan.