10 November 2023 , 12:43
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Icelandic strongman Thor Bjornsson has revealed his daughter Grace was stillborn, asking for privacy for his family following a joint announcement with partner Kelsey Henson.
"T.W stillbirth/delayed miscarriage. It is with great sorrow that we announce the birth of our daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir born Nov 8th at 21 1/2 weeks gestation," the social media statement read.
"After a noticeable decrease in movement we found out her heart had stopped beating. Words cannot describe our pain of this loss or our happiness at being able to spend time with our daughter.
"She is absolutely beautiful, with blonde lashes and brows and a little smile for mom and dad. The love we feel for her is overwhelming. The grief we feel will be with us forever but so will the love.
"All of our hopes and dreams for her have been taken away from us but I know I will be with her again. Her spirit lives on through us and her siblings. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time as we grieve this unbearable loss. Thank you all for any kind words and support"
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A number of fans have shared messages of support for the Icelander and his family. "May she find peace on the eternal fields of love, my condolences to you and your family for this heartbreaking loss and suffering that you have to go trough now," wrote one.
"I am so sorry for your great loss," wrote another. "I think you are brave for posting this and sharing your pain with us. You will help many women. Take care of yourselves."
"As a father who has gone through a similar situation, I just want to tell you that the pain will sting for awhile but that you and your family will make it through, that eventually hearing Grace’s name mentioned will bring joy to your heart and you will be rejoice in talking about her," another response read. "Thank you for sharing Grace’s story, and that of your family’s. From one loss Dad to another, I wish you love and healing."
Bjornsson has one World's Strongest Man win and multiple podium finishes (Irish Daily Mirror)Bjornsson, 34, was named Iceland's strongest man on multiple occasions before making an imprint on the World's Strongest Man competition. He claimed his first podium in 2012 and won the competition for the first time in 2018.
Away from strongman contests, he is best recognised by some TV fans as 'The Mountain' in Game of Thrones. He also had a role in 2022 movie The Northman, directed by Robert Eggers.
Bjornsson also turned his hand to boxing in 2020, taking on former strongman rival Eddie Hall two years later. The bout, dubbed 'The Mountain vs the Beast', went the way of Bjornsson by unanimous decision.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email [email protected]