Hunter Kelly, the son of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, passed away on Friday. He was eight years old. The young boy had fought a life-long battle with Krabbe's Disease. Krabbe's Disease is a fatal disorder that destroys the central nervous system.
Hunter's doctor, Patricia Duffner, said he died of respiratory failure. A spokesman said Hunter, who was constantly on oxygen due to scarring in his lungs, had been struggling to breathe for several days. He was rushed to the hospital on Friday morning, after he had spiked a high fever and had stopped breathing.
The boy was the inspiration for Hunter's Hope Foundation as it was formed just months after he was diagnosed with the disease. That foundation has raised more than $6 million, and awarded more than $3.8 million for research into neurological diseases including Krabbe's.
AP reports that Hunter's Hope Foundation released a statement saying the Kelly family is grateful for the support people have shown. "It is the family's hope that all who mourn for their son, Hunter, would join them in thanking the Lord for his precious life," the statement read.
Jim Kelly, who won four straight AFC titles as Bills quarterback in the early 1990s, had credited his son for serving as his inspiration. He worked tirelessly to promote the foundation.
A public funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at Hamburg Wesleyan Church on McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, Erie County. There will be no prior calling hours.
In addition to his parents, Hunter is survived by two sisters, Erin, 10, and Camryn, 6.
--Compiled from wire reports
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