The husband of singer and chef Kelis has succumbed to his 18-month battle with stomach cancer.
Mike Mora, 37, passed away on March 14. The photographer’s rep Steve Satterhwaite, from Red Light Management, confirmed the news.
“Sadly, it’s true that Mike Mora has passed away. We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family’s privacy as of right now. Thank you.”
In late September, the loving husband and father shared an update of his diagnosis on Instagram.
“This picture was taken as I was being transferred to the oncology section of UCLA Santa Monica from nearby Ronald Reagan hospital. This gentleman, Latin brotha, saw how weak I was,” he wrote.
“He looked back at me before leaving my room and said ‘I’ve seen people make it out of the craziest situations, be strong brotha, you got this’. I’ll never forget his face….They said 18 months. It’s been exactly 12.”
View this post on Instagram
In October, Mora shared a bleak update on his ailment.
“Stomach, angular, Nodularity (Biopsy) – Gastric adenocarcinoma with diffuse-type/signet ring cell features (poorly cohesive carcinoma),” he captioned the photo of the prognosis.
“The story continues. So the morning of my last UCLA hospital stay, doctors came in my room and gave me the most horrifying, unexpected news. I did not understand the language written on this paper. All I knew from the look in their faces was that it wasn’t a good diagnosis.”
The Colombian-American man expressed that doctors told him that there was nothing else that could be done for him.
“It was the worst diagnosis. And they were scared for me. I asked how they were going to help me. They said they couldn’t do anything else for me. I had to search on my for some sort of solution. Scary days,” Mora added.
View this post on Instagram
In every post he referenced regarding cancer, Mora was sure to tell Kelis he loved her.
Evan Ross, son of Motown legend Diana, took to Instagram to express his grief and send condolences to his “brother’s” family after learning of his death.
“We lost a brother Yesterday. We will truly miss you, Mike. Thinking of some of the great times we all spent together.”
“You and @naztokio recording me at @dallasaustins studio in Atlanta. First time I had ever really recording a record in the studio,” he continued. “You made it feel easy and safe. Everything I saw you do. Was built in passion. I loved connecting again with you.”
Ross ended the touching tribute to the photographer by sending prayers to Kelis and her family.
“Hearing about your children and the life you and your wife have built,” Ross went on to add. “Im sending all the prayers and love to your family brother. @kelis ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️RIP @mikemorafotos.”
The couple married in 2014 and have two children together. We’re sending our sincerest condolences to Kelis and her family.