Irish actor Michael Patrick, who appeared in an episode of Game of Thrones, died after a three-year battle with a rare illness. He was 35. Michael’s wife, Naomi, broke the news of his untimely death in an Instagram post on April 8, 2026.
“Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice,” she wrote, before adding, “He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease 1st February 2023. He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are.”
So, what exactly is motor neurone disease? Here’s what we know about the illness that caused Michael’s heartbreaking death.
Michael appeared in a season 6 episode of Game of Thrones as the character Wildling Rioter.
As previously noted, Michael’s wife, Naomi, confirmed that his diagnosis with motor neurone disease caused his decline and eventual death.
In her Instagram statement, Naomi paid tribute to her late husband for being an “an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life.”
