Governor Kay Ivey and other elected officials are reacting to the heartbreaking news that Ralph teenager Will Roberts passed away Thursday after a battle with cancer.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of young Will Roberts,” Ivey stated. “Alabama will remember Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all. God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. Join me in praying for the Roberts family during this unimaginable loss.”
I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of young Will Roberts. Alabama will remember Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all. God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. Join me in praying for the Roberts family during this unimaginable loss.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) July 23, 2026
Republican gubernatorial candidate U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) took to X to ask for prayers.
“Will fought to the finish and inspired millions of people across our country during his 15 years on earth,” Tuberville posted. “Please join me in praying for the Roberts family and Will’s friends as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
Will fought to the finish and inspired millions of people across our country during his 15 years on earth.
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 23, 2026
Please join me in praying for the Roberts family and Will’s friends as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.https://t.co/AWEa7kpuL8
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) stated, “Wesley and I are deeply saddened to hear this news this morning. Will was an incredible fighter, a national inspiration, and a powerful example of courage and perseverance in the face of the unthinkable. The entire state of Alabama mourns this loss. Please join us in praying for his parents, Jason and Brittney, family, friends, and loved ones.”
Wesley and I are deeply saddened to hear this news this morning. Will was an incredible fighter, a national inspiration, and a powerful example of courage and perseverance in the face of the unthinkable.
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) July 23, 2026
The entire state of Alabama mourns this loss. Please join us in praying for… https://t.co/HhVkwKwR2I
During his battle with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, Roberts pleaded with lawmakers and President Donald Trump to make DeltaRex-G, a new and promising drug to fight cancer, available nationwide.
RELATED: Cancer warrior Will Roberts passes away after hard-fought battle with rare bone cancer
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered the call and arranged for Roberts to receive the treatment in California, the only state where it was available.
The family credited Tuscaloosa businessman Ric Mayers for his connection to the Trump administration.
“Will Roberts was the best parts of all of us, wrapped into one man,” Mayers stated after learning of Roberts’ passing. “He was strong in his faith. Strong physically. Strong emotionally. Strong mentally.
“When everyone else around him was broken, he had a unique ability to lift everyone back up,” Mayers continued. “He never quit. He never threw in the towel. He fought with everything he had until his very last breath.
“I do not think Will Roberts' name will be forgotten anytime soon,” he added. “I’m not sure how yet, but I have a feeling his name will help so many people in the future. Rest easy, Will.”
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