A Year of Grief and Healing: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Kelsey Henson Reflect on the Loss of Their Daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir
The journey through grief is long, winding, and deeply personal. On November 8, 2023, Icelandic strongman and actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known worldwide as “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones, and his wife, Canadian fitness trainer and social media influencer Kelsey Henson, marked a profoundly painful anniversary—the loss of their daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir. Grace was born prematurely at 21 weeks, and her death left an indelible mark on her family, sparking reflections on grief, loss, and awareness of pregnancy-related challenges.
In a deeply moving Instagram post, Björnsson and Henson shared a heartfelt tribute to their daughter on the one-year anniversary of her passing. “One year. 365 days have elapsed since your birth. 366 days have gone by since we received the heartbreaking news of your death within me,” their message began, a powerful reminder of the days, hours, and moments that have shaped their grieving process. Their post resonated with many, as the couple expressed their sorrow at missing the many milestones parents cherish.
“You were unable to experience the warmth of my embrace or the comfort of my presence,” the couple wrote. “We missed witnessing your first smile, the emergence of your first tooth, and the sound of your first laughter. There are countless milestones that we will forever miss throughout our lives.” With their words, Björnsson and Henson underscored the often invisible pain of parents who lose a child before birth—grief that can be difficult to articulate and comprehend. By sharing their personal story, they hope to raise awareness about miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss, issues that affect countless families worldwide yet remain wrapped in stigma and silence.
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Kelsey Henson: A Life in the Public Eye
The story of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Kelsey Henson is widely followed. Known as one of the strongest men in the world, Hafþór is a former professional strongman, powerlifter, and actor, whose portrayal of Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane on HBO’s Game of Thrones earned him international fame. Standing at a towering 6’9” with unmatched physical strength, he has won several titles, including Europe’s Strongest Man and the 2018 World’s Strongest Man.
Kelsey Henson, a Canadian by birth, is an influencer and fitness trainer with a strong online presence, using her platforms to promote wellness and strength training. Together, they share a unique dynamic, with a life focused on strength, resilience, and family. Their personal story has become one of triumphs and trials, resonating with fans around the world. Henson and Björnsson share a young son, Stormur, born in 2020, who continues to bring them joy amid their grief for Grace.
A Story of Love and Loss
Last November, Björnsson and Henson first shared the heartbreaking news of their loss. “It is with great sorrow that we announce the birth of our daughter, Grace Morgan Hafthorsdottir, born November 8th at 21 1/2 weeks gestation. After a noticeable decrease in movement, we found out her heart had stopped beating,” they wrote at the time. “Words cannot describe our pain of this loss or our happiness at being able to spend time with our daughter.”
In those brief moments, they experienced both the beauty and pain of parenthood. “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,” they shared, capturing the bittersweet memory of meeting Grace, a moment frozen in time. They expressed the depth of their love and sorrow, knowing that their hopes and dreams for her would remain unfulfilled. “The grief we feel will be with us forever but so will the love,” they wrote, a sentiment that resonated deeply with their followers.
Reflecting on the role of grief in life, Björnsson and Henson used the one-year anniversary of Grace’s passing to encourage others to talk more openly about the often-silenced grief of pregnancy loss. “In the course of life, we all face death; some depart earlier than others, and some leave before taking their first breath,” they wrote. Their words reflect a reality that many face but few discuss openly—miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are common, yet social stigma often prevents parents from mourning openly.
Björnsson and Henson invited their followers to share their post, hoping to break down barriers surrounding the topic. “Death is the only certainty in life, yet it is a subject that evokes fear in many. I encourage you to share this post in honor of my daughter’s birthday, contributing to the effort to diminish the stigma surrounding miscarriage, late miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, and infant loss.” Their vulnerability is a call to others facing similar grief, creating a supportive community where parents can openly express their pain.
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Remembering Grace Morgan’s Impact
Through their willingness to share their story, Björnsson and Henson are not only honoring Grace but also helping others who experience similar losses. The loss of a child, particularly in pregnancy, is a grief that can feel isolating. By openly discussing their journey, they are fostering a culture where bereaved parents can speak freely about their experiences, giving a voice to the grief that is often hidden.
In an era where social media can feel superficial, their post is a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and conversation around difficult topics. The journey of grief is ongoing, but for the Björnsson family, Grace’s memory continues to live on as they celebrate her life and the impact she has had on their lives. Through their story, they have shown that even in profound sorrow, there can be strength, resilience, and healing.
Their post concludes with a simple request: that their followers continue to support one another, fostering understanding and compassion for families facing similar losses. For Björnsson and Henson, sharing their story is not only a way to honor Grace but also a message of hope for others walking through grief, a testament to a love that continues beyond words and beyond life.
