TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. — Will Roberts, a 15-year-old from Ralph, Alabama, who loved hunting, fishing and riding ATVs, died on July 23, 2026, after an 18-month battle with stage 4 osteosarcoma.

Though his life was tragically short, Will became an inspiration to people far beyond his small Alabama community through his faith, humor and determination to keep fighting.

A Sudden Change
Will was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in January 2025. His treatment included chemotherapy, radiation, repeated scans and eventually the amputation of his left leg and pelvis.

Despite the physical challenges, Will refused to let the illness define him.

“Cancer never won. It stole time, took comfort, took a leg, took his breath—but it never took his smile, his faith, or the victory that belonged to Jesus Christ,” his mother, Brittney Battles Roberts, recalled.

The Video That Reached the Nation
By April 2026, standard treatments were no longer producing the hoped-for results. Facing a difficult prognosis, Will recorded an emotional video using his mother’s Facebook account.

In the video, he appealed to lawmakers, medical professionals and the White House for help gaining access to an experimental cancer treatment called DeltaRex-G.

The message quickly spread online and drew attention from people across the country, including political leaders and medical officials.

The attention helped connect the Roberts family with specialists who could evaluate Will for additional treatment options in California.

Will’s Final Days
Although the experimental treatment initially offered hope, the disease later progressed to his brain and severely affected his condition.

Will was eventually transferred to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego for palliative care.

On July 23, 2026, surrounded by his parents, Jason and Brittney Roberts, Will died at the age of 15.

His mother shared the news with family, friends and supporters, writing that Will had taken his final breath in her arms on her birthday and had entered the presence of Jesus.

A Community Remembers
Will’s passing deeply affected communities throughout Alabama and beyond.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey later proclaimed August 1, 2026, as “Will Roberts Day” in recognition of the teenager’s courage and the impact his story had on others.

When Will’s body was brought home, community members, state troopers and first responders gathered along the roads to accompany his family back to Tuscaloosa County.

A celebration of life was later held at Shelton State Community College, drawing family members, friends and many people who had followed Will’s journey.

His younger sister, Charlie, delivered a tribute during the service, while speakers remembered Will for the way he encouraged others throughout his illness.

Will was later laid to rest at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ralph, Alabama.

Remembering Will
For those who knew him, Will’s legacy is about more than the illness he faced.

His family has encouraged people to remember him by embracing the things he loved — spending time outdoors, going fishing, taking children hunting, laughing with family and friends, and facing difficult moments with courage and faith.

Will Roberts lived only 15 years, but his family hopes the way he faced those years will continue to inspire others long after his passing.