Andy Thomas - who was recently featured on ABC's Shark Tank - has passed away at the age of 47 following a battle with cancer.
The entrepreneur appeared in Friday's episode of the reality show alongside his business partner and high school friend, Daniel Shephard. The pair pitched their invention called the Kettle Gryp - a workout tool that helps the user perform "unique exercises that build functional strength and range of motion."
As a result of their pitch, the duo secured a $30,000 investment from Shark Lori Greiner.
Following the show, Greiner took to Twitter to pay her respects to Thomas, writing: "Here’s to you Andrew!
"A true American hero, beloved husband, father & friend to so many. Ur hard work & dedication to @KettleGryp & your partner Daniel will live on. Happy to be partners & to help fulfill ur legacy w/ Kettle Gryp."
As reported by The Sun, the news was also confirmed by Andy's widow, Carolyn Walz, prior to the show.
Walz took to Facebook earlier this week and asked her friends to make sure they don't miss her late husband's appearance on the show. She wrote: "If you’re so inclined, tune into Shark Tank at 8 pm on ABC this Friday. My husband, Andy, and his business partner, Dan, will appear as they try to convince the sharks to invest in the Kettle Gryp."
She added: "They filmed a couple [of] weeks before Andy fell ill. With a broken heart I’ll be cheering him on and will always carry so much pride for the incredible man he was and the beautiful life he lived."
According to his obituary, Andy Thomas passed away on December 16 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
He served in United States Marine Corps for two decades as a helicopter pilot, where he was honored with multiple medals.
"He will be remembered as a fearless attack pilot, a mentor to the Marines he served with, and the dearest of friends," his obituary reads.
Andy and Daniel developed the Kettle Gryp - the perfect accessory for gym-lovers who travel a lot, as it transforms dumbbells into kettles.
After pitching their business idea on the show, several viewers took to Twitter to share their enthusiasm for the product:
Our thoughts are with Andy's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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