Canadian actor Kenneth Mitchell, who continued working in television and film even after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2018, died at the age of 49.

Mitchell's family said in a post on their Instagram account that the actor from the Star Trek: Discovery and Jericho series passed away on Saturday.

The statement said: "For five and a half years, Ken faced a series of terrible challenges from ALS, and in true Ken fashion, he was able to rise above each one with grace and commitment, living a full and happy life every moment. He lived by the principles that every day is a gift and that we never walk alone."

After experiencing health problems and wondering if he had shared his mother's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Mitchell was told in August 2018 that he had ALS.

Mitchell told People Magazine in 2020, it was a moment of "complete disbelief," and like "watching this scene where someone is told they have a terminal illness."

This disease is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the New York Yankees star of the 1930s. The disease destroys the neurons in the brain and spinal cord that are needed for walking, talking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. Most people with ALS die within a few years of diagnosis.

By the year following his diagnosis, he was using a wheelchair. In Star Trek: Discovery, he portrayed Aurelio, a scientist who uses a wheelchair for holo-suits, and in the Hulu series The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow, he played an FBI agent who uses a wheelchair.

Mitchell told People it was "empowering" to be able to continue working.

He added, "Although it seems more difficult, people understand and succeed at it." "They do it in a way that never makes me feel like I’m dragging things or a burden or anything else."

Additionally, a 2022 episode of Star Trek: Discovery featured a spaceship named USS Mitchell in his honor.

Mitchell’s path to the screen was unlikely, as he told Guelph Mercury in 2004. After attending Earl Haig Secondary School in Toronto, he enrolled at the University of Guelph for landscape engineering studies. After finding work in Guelph and Toronto after university, a friend introduced him to an agent.

After appearing in commercials and independent productions, one of Mitchell’s early career breaks was a recurring role in the Showtime series Leap Year and Odyssey 5, both filmed in Canada.

Alongside guest spots on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and CSI: Miami, and a small but pivotal role as one of the last players cut from the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team in the film Miracle, he also landed a supporting role in Colin Farrell-led Recruit, and by that stage, he had moved to Los Angeles to pursue work.

He told the Guelph Mercury: "I was lucky to start in Toronto, building my legs and work ethic." "But to achieve what I want in this business, the best place for me is here."

He landed a regular role in the CBS post-apocalyptic drama Jericho portraying Eric Green, the brother of the main character played by Skeet Ulrich. The series was canceled after one season, but after a campaign from devoted fans, the series returned for a limited run to wrap up its storylines.

Ulrich posted on social media Sunday: "We will never forget you!! You are an integral part of the hearts and minds of many.” "You will always be an inspiration! All my love to you and your beautiful family."

Mitchell’s work continued steadily after Jericho, with starring or recurring roles in the series Switched at Birth, The Astronaut Wives Club, Nancy Drew, Frequency, as well as a role on the big screen in Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson.

Actress Lea Thompson, who worked with Mitchell on Switched at Birth, posted on Instagram Sunday: "Thank you for being a beautiful light on this earth. Rest in peace."

One of Mitchell’s last social media posts was on the fifth anniversary of his ALS diagnosis in August.

He said: "I am so very grateful for this day ahead of me." "Five long years have passed. We have lost a lot, gained a lot, it’s incredibly tough times, mixed with many blessings."

Mitchell is survived by the support of his wife, American actress Susan May Pratt, and his daughter Lila and son Callum.