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Who was Ady Barkan? Healthcare rights advocate dies at 39 from ALS complications

Barkan's wife, Rachael King, wrote, 'Ady fought for the 24/7 care he needed to be home with us until the end of his life', announcing his death

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Ady Barkan, the attorney and activist who was the subject of the 2021 documentary 'Not Going Quietly', died as a result of ALS-induced complications on Wednesday, November 1, at the age of 39.

Barkan was the founder of the charity, 'Be A Hero', which worked to improve healthcare access across America. He was diagnosed with ALS, a fatal motor neuron disorder, in 2016.

Born to immigrant parents in Boston, Massachusetts, Barkan went on to study at Columbia University and Yale University, catching national attention in 2014 when, as an organizer for the Center for Popular Democracy, he led the 'Fed Up' campaign.

The activist again went viral in 2017 when he confronted Senator Jeff Flake on a plane and asked him to vote against a tax bill that threatened cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Barkan also worked hard to save the Affordable Care Act and, in 2021, became the subject of the documentary directed by Nicholas Bruckman, which recorded his battles for healthcare reform.

He is survived by his wife, Rachael King, and their two children, Carl and Willow, as reported by The US Sun.

Ady Barkan's wife announces his death on social media

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rachael King wrote, "Hi all, this is Ady’s wife, Rachael. I’m devastated to share the news that Ady has died from complications of ALS. You probably knew Ady as a healthcare activist. But more importantly he was a wonderful dad and my life partner for 18 years," on Ady Barkan's account.

A subsequent post read, "Ady fought for the 24/7 care he needed to be home with us until the end of his life. It’s impossible to thank his incredible caregivers enough for their labor and care, which allowed us to live as a family through Ady’s health challenges. Everyone should have that chance."

Netizens pay tribute to Ady Barkan

Sen Bernie Sanders and Rep Nancy Pelosi, as well as other users on X (formerly Twitter), paid their tributes to Ady Barkan after the announcement of his death. 

"Ady Barkan was an inspiration to all of us. There are very few people in this country who have done more to make health care a human right. To honor his life, let us dedicate ourselves to completing his work," wrote Sanders. 

"We are heartbroken by Ady Barkan’s passing. No one worked smarter to advance the principle that health care is a right, not a privilege. It was an honor to be with Ady at the FDR 4 Freedoms Awards last month. He always urged us: Be A Hero. Ady, you are mine. RIP dear friend," read the statement from Pelosi.

Another person stated, "Terribly sad to hear about the untimely passing of Ady Barkan. He was a warrior on healthcare issues. A warrior for people living with ALS. He made a difference. His life and work mattered a great deal. My deepest condolences to his family. May his memory forever be a blessing." 

"Ady Barkan was the best of humanity. I will never forget his advocacy during the fight to save the Affordable Care Act. May he rest in peace. 💔," noted one more. 

A user said, "So sad to hear about this. Ady was a true hero who helped save countless lives," grieving his death.