**’Gladiators’ Star ‘Steel’ Bids Emotional Farewell to Newborn Son in Heartfelt Funeral**
Zack George, best known by fans as ‘Steel’ on the television show *Gladiators*, has shared the heartbreaking loss of his newborn son, Leo. Born prematurely at just 23 weeks on 26th March, Leo spent his brief 13 days in neonatal intensive care before tragically passing away on 7th April. This week, Zack and his wife Samantha honoured their son’s short but impactful life during an emotional and intimate funeral service.
Taking to social media, Zack offered a glimpse into the poignant farewell, sharing a montage of photos and video snippets from the day. Visuals depicted the family united in grief, floral tributes lining the service, and Zack and Samantha holding each other close near Leo’s delicate white coffin. The raw emotion was palpable, underscoring the deep bond the family had, despite Leo’s all-too-brief time with them.
In a moving tribute, Zack penned an open letter to his son, which he courageously read aloud during the funeral. He 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.” Referencing their son’s fierce battle for life, Zack reflected, “We called you Leo, our lion, not for how loud you roared, but for how hard you fought to stay.” He painted a picture of a boy recognised and cherished, cradled by his parents and forever imprinted on their hearts.
The depth of Zack’s sorrow was stark as he described how Leo’s memory lingers: “With heavy hearts, we continue to feel your presence, in every silent moment, in the whispers of our pain, in the emptiness filled only by your existence.” The grieving father concluded his tribute with a promise that Leo’s legacy would endure: “Our dear son, our valiant Leo, your significance will never fade. You will forever be a part of us. Sleep peacefully, our little boy.”
As the days since Leo’s passing have unfolded, Zack has continued to share his family’s journey with followers online. He has spoken candidly about the immense challenges Leo faced in his short life, including multiple blood transfusions, collapsed lungs, brain bleeds, and serious heart and trachea complications. These remarkably difficult circumstances highlighted the sheer resilience and bravery demonstrated by Leo during his time in hospital.
Channeling his grief into action, Zack has established a charity challenge in Leo’s honour, aptly titled “13 Days Fighting.” The event will see participants undertake a ‘burpee mile’ each day for thirteen consecutive days—a remarkable feat that totals around 10,000 burpees in all. He explained the motivation behind the event: “Bravery, strength, courage and resilience are just a few of the many qualities Leo showed us. This is why we are calling the charity event 13 days fighting.” Through the challenge, Zack hopes to both remember his son and raise funds for neonatal care.
The outpouring of public support for Zack and Samantha has been significant, with many expressing sympathy and admiration for the couple’s openness in sharing the most difficult moments of their lives. Such openness appears to offer comfort to others going through similar heartbreak, while also shining a light on the importance of neonatal care and the extraordinary battles premature babies confront every day.
As they continue to mourn, Zack and Samantha have become vocal advocates for awareness around premature birth and infant loss. Their willingness to share their story is helping drive vital conversations about how families can be better supported after such losses.
Leo’s short yet stirring journey is one that has touched many hearts, both within the celebrity community and among the wider public. The public response, marked by thousands of messages of condolence, stands as testament to the impact that even the briefest of lives can have.
With Leo’s memory a guiding force, Zack and Samantha are determined that his story, although brief, will be one of hope, resilience, and an unwavering love that continues to inspire others.