Comedian and actor Alex Duong died after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 42.
On the 29th (local time), according to U.S. outlet People, on the 28th Duong's friend Hillary Steele said via fundraising platform GoFundMe that he died after falling into septic shock the day before, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Steele said he was comfortable and felt no pain, and that his wife Christina and their 5-year-old daughter Everest were able to say their final goodbyes. She added with sorrow that he said farewell with clear consciousness until his final moment with his daughter.
The GoFundMe page is currently set up to cover funeral expenses and to support the young daughter's education and living costs. Steele appealed that continued help is urgently needed so the family can get through the time ahead.
A day before his death, Steele had said Duong was in critical condition after falling into septic shock from a life-threatening severe infection. It was reported that the family experienced great shock as his condition suddenly worsened and spent his final hours together.
Duong was diagnosed in early 2025 with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer (an aggressive cancer that occurs in soft tissue). The disease was confirmed after he visited a hospital for pain and abnormal symptoms behind his eye, and the tumor progressed rapidly, causing him to lose vision in one eye completely.
He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy while battling the disease, but his condition rapidly worsened as the cancer spread to his spine and brain, causing seizures. It was especially tragic that despite ongoing treatment, he reportedly faced difficulties because he did not meet health insurance criteria.
During his illness, his wife Christina supported the household while also serving as his caregiver, and their young daughter became a great source of support for the family despite the difficult situation. A friend said the child's presence became a light for the family.
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