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GoT actor, strongman Hafthor Bjornsson’s ‘unbearable loss’

Former World’s Strongest Man and Game of Thrones actor Hafthor Bjornsson has suffered a tragic and unimaginable loss.

Hafthor Bjornsson and wife Kelsey Henson's tragic news of stillborn

Former Game of Thrones star and 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson and his fitness model wife Kelsey Henson have revealed the tragic news that their daughter was stillborn.

The pair announced they were expecting their second child together on October 19 and that she was due in March 2024.

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But just three weeks later, the pair revealed the heartbreaking news.

“It is with great sorrow that we announce the birth of our daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir born Nov 8th at 21 1/2 weeks gestation,” the couple posted via their Instagram pages.

“After a noticeable decrease in movement we found out her heart had stopped beating.

“Words cannot describe our pain of this loss or our happiness at being able to spend time with our daughter.

“She is absolutely beautiful, with blonde lashes and brows and a little smile for mom and dad. The love we feel for her is overwhelming. The grief we feel will be with us forever but so will the love.

“All of our hopes and dreams for her have been taken away from us but I know I will be with her again. Her spirit lives on through us and her siblings.

“We ask that you respect our privacy at this time as we grieve this unbearable loss. Thank you all for any kind words and support.”

The couple got to spend some time with their daughter. Photo: Instagram
The couple got to spend some time with their daughter. Photo: Instagram
The announcement just three weeks ago. Photo: Instagram
The announcement just three weeks ago. Photo: Instagram

The couple also shared moments they were able to spend with their daughter after her birth.

WARNING: Confronting images

Arnold Schwarzenegger was among those passing on their condolences, writing: “My heart is with both of you. Please let me know if you need anything and know that you’re in my thoughts.”

Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath said: “We’re lifting you both up in prayer and love.”

The heartbreaking reveal comes just three weeks after the pair shared they were pregnant, going into detail about the struggles they’ve faced.

At the time, Bjornsson wrote on Instagram: “Life is precious and I couldn’t be happier to announce that our family is growing bigger. Kelsey is 19 weeks pregnant with a healthy child who we cannot wait to meet!”

He also revealed the pair had experienced difficulties getting pregnant, having tried for two years conceiving their three-year-old son named Stormur, including an unsuccessful IVF treatment before falling pregnant naturally.

After nearly three years of trying to get pregnant for their daughter, the pair again tried IVF, which was successful this time, they explained in a YouTube video announcing the pregnancy.

“We wanted to share the journey as well to show it’s not always easy to start a family,” Kelsey said.

Hafthor interjected: “There are many, many, many people out there that deal with those difficulties.”

Kelsey: “ … And much moreso than we did.”

The pair regularly pose together. Photo: Instagram
The pair regularly pose together. Photo: Instagram
The pair were married in 2018. Photo: Instagram
The pair were married in 2018. Photo: Instagram

Bjornsson was the 2018 World’s Strongest Man as well as runner up three-times and third-place getter another four times.

He also holds the current world dead lift record of 501kg, having broken long time rival Eddie Hall’s previous record of 500kg.

Having taken a two-year hiatus from powerlifting to pursue boxing, including a grudge match against Hall, he suffered a brutal setback when he tore the pectoral muscle off the bone while trying for his bench press PB of 252kg in April.

Bjornsson is also known for portraying the intimidating character The Mountain in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

Originally published as GoT actor, strongman Hafthor Bjornsson’s ‘unbearable loss’

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/affiliates/kayo/got-actor-strongman-hafthor-bjornssons-unbearable-loss/news-story/3c7c2de0740aa012c98b2205559cfcb4