The son of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and his wife Anu has died, People reports.
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Zain Nadella, who was born with cerebral palsy, has sadly passed away. He was just 26-years-old.
"Very sadly Satya's son Zain Nadella has passed away. The Nadellas are taking time to grieve privately as a family," the statement read.
Bloomberg reports that Microsoft shared the news to its executive staff in an email, in which Jeff Sperring - the CEO of Seattle Children's Hospital - wrote a tribute to Zain.
"Zain will be remembered for his eclectic taste in music, his bright sunny smile and the immense joy he brought to his family and all those who loved him," wrote Sperring.
Zain was treated at Seattle Children's Hospital throughout his life. According to a press release from the hospital, he was first taken there after his birth, where he received "life-saving care" at their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The hospital detailed how Zain still received "specialized, around-the-clock care" at the hospital up until his death, communicating with staff "non-verbally" and using a "wheelchair."
They went on to describe how watching their son "struggle against tremendous adversity due to his medical condition" had an enormous impact on Zain's parents.
"His journey has shaped the Nadella family's story to one of resilience, empathy, and determination to realize the promise of a brighter future for children with neurological conditions," they wrote.
Just last year, the Nadella's committed $15 million to Seattle Children's hospital and contributed to their center for Integrative Brain Research by establishing the Zain Nadella Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neurosciences.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft CEO spoke about the impact of his son's diagnosis in a 2017 interview with Good Housekeeping.
"After Zain, things started to change for me," he said, adding: "It has had a profound impact on how I think, lead and relate to people."
He went on to say that "through all of what's happened with Zain" he had learned "how to forgive myself."
"None of us is perfect. Once you come to that deeper realization, you don't judge as quickly, you listen better and you can amplify people's strengths," the CEO added.
Our thoughts are with Zain's family and loved ones at this time.
