Gladiators star Zack George, known to fans as “Steel,” has shared a deeply emotional tribute following the funeral of his baby son, Leo. The child was born prematurely at 23 weeks on March 26 and died 13 days later, on April 7, after a difficult battle in neonatal intensive care.
George and his wife, Samantha, held a funeral service earlier this week to honour their son’s short but meaningful life. In a post shared on Instagram, the grief-stricken father posted a video montage featuring moments from the service. It included floral tributes, letters addressed to Leo, and family members gathered in mourning. One poignant scene showed Zack and Samantha holding hands over their baby’s small white coffin.
In a heartfelt message accompanying the video, George wrote, “The hardest speech I’ve ever had to read. You came into this world early, tiny and brave, with a heart that beat like thunder. Thirteen days. That’s all we had. But in that time, you taught us more about love and courage than most ever will.”
He continued, “Your body was small, but your spirit was big, fierce and unafraid. We called you Leo, our lion—not for how loud you roared, but for how hard you fought to stay. You knew our voices, you knew our touch, the warmth of our hearts pressed against yours.”
Reflecting on the profound impact of his son’s brief life, George added: “You were held, you were known, and you were loved. And though the world only had a brief chance to meet you, you changed it—and you changed us.”
“Sleep peacefully, our little boy,” he wrote, closing the tribute. “You will forever be a part of us.”
In April, George first revealed the health struggles Leo faced during his 13 days in NICU. He described a long list of complications, including three blood transfusions, collapsed lungs, brain bleeds, a hole in the heart due to PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), and damage to the trachea.
In honour of his son, George also announced a personal charity initiative called “13 Days Fighting.” The campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for neonatal care and support other families facing similar challenges.
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