Ryan Hadley’s, Star Of ‘Ink Master,’ Cause Of Death Revealed

On Friday, June 21, 2024, the world found out that “Ink Master” star Ryan Hadley, 46, had passed away.

The late tattoo artist appeared on season 6 of the show but was eliminated early on. However, he didn’t let that deter him from doing what he loved, and Ryan stayed in the business for over two decades.

Following the tragic news of Ryan Hadley’s passing, a cause of death has been revealed.

A post shared on Ryan Hadley’s official Instagram on Friday, June 21, confirmed the news.

“Ryan left this world last night surrounded by loved ones. While his life was cut short, in that time he left a legacy behind in both the art and tattoo world,” the statement said. “He loved his many fans, his friends and clients, and most of all his children. He’ll be missed and always remembered. A legend forever.”

The statement then concluded with the hashtag #f-ckcancer, revealing how the 46-year-old had passed away.

For those who are unaware, in December 2023, the tattoo artist revealed that he had been diagnosed with seminoma cancer, which “came from testicular cancer and is a very fast moving cancer cell that seems to make tumors wherever it goes to,” per PEOPLE Magazine.

A GoFundMe was also created following the news last year for the “Ink Master” star, who had to undergo “months of chemotherapy.”

“While Ryan is going through aggressive treatment for seminoma, he’s unable to work to keep his business and family afloat,” the fundraiser’s description stated. “This GoFundMe is to help Ryan pay his bills and provide food for his family while he’s undergoing treatment. Any amount will help!”

Many who knew Ryan shared memories and condolences on social media after hearing the news, including one who had received a tattoo from the late artist. “Ryan was my artist the first time I was on ‘Ink Master,'” they wrote. “Such a nice dude. Distracted me from all the TV production stuff and sent me home with a great piece that still gets compliments today.”

Another social media user expressed, “Our condolences, Ryan was such an amazing friend, Artist and Father! He will be greatly missed!!”

A third revealed how Ryan had helped him grow in the tattoo world, saying he “owes him a lot.” “He helped my career tremendously, and I will never forget it. He will be missed,” they said.

One of Ryan’s coworkers also paid tribute, recalling how great it was to work side-by-side with the late tattoo artist. “The greatest time I ever had tattooing was along side Ryan,” the Instagram user wrote. “I learned so much; he always pushed you to your fullest potential.”

They added, “Past what you thought was possible and plus he was always showing people what is possible by taking things above and beyond to that next level. He made me the artist I am today, and I am grateful to have known him like that. Thanks, Ryan.”

In April, the late “Ink Master” star thanked his loved ones on social media for supporting him through his battle with cancer.

“I want to give thanks to all of my clients, sponsors, friends, and family for 25 wonderful years of tattooing,” he wrote before revealing that the chemotherapy “wasn’t a success at all” and that the cancer was “non-treatable” as it spread to his liver and lungs.

“I made [the] decision to follow the oncologist’s orders and do everything that they asked for during my treatments,” he said.

In the same social media post, Ryan revealed, “I may be around for another week or maybe another three months. Either way, it tears me apart that I’m leaving my children behind.”

“Death doesn’t scare me in any way.. it’s the fact of abandonment with my kids is what pisses me off and there’s nothing I can do about it,” he added. “I’ll keep everyone updated to a certain point in all this. I’ll be signing off very soon forever.”