The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of Broadway performer and social media influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford. He was 46 years old.
Family Announces Tragic News on Social Media
His family shared the heartbreaking announcement via an Instagram post on Saturday. The statement revealed he passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by his loved ones.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe," the family's caption began. They continued, "Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us."
A Public Battle with a Rare Illness
Hanna-Shuford was diagnosed less than five months ago with two serious conditions: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, HLH is a severe immune disorder where white blood cells attack other blood cells, often leading to enlarged organs.
The entertainer was open about his health struggles after receiving the prognosis in the summer of last year. He frequently posted updates from hospital, where he spent months undergoing treatment.
Heartfelt Messages from Hospital
In a poignant post from October, Hanna-Shuford expressed his longing to be home with his family. "I really want to go home," he wrote, disclosing he had previously been unconscious in the ICU for three days.
He shared his deep feelings of missing his young son and husband, stating, "I really miss my son, a lot, and my husband. But I'm sending so much love to you, because your love to me has been incredible."
Remembering the Broadway Husband and Father
Bret Hanna-Shuford was best known as one half of the popular influencer duo Broadway Husbands, alongside his partner, Stephen Hanna. The couple shared a three-year-old son named Maverick.
His passing leaves a significant void in both the Broadway community and the online world where he and Stephen documented their lives, bringing joy and visibility to many.
