WEST FARGO (KFGO) – A West Fargo Sheyenne High School sophomore who staged a battle with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has died.
16-year-old Ben Merck had been in the hospital. Symptoms were first noticed in May and he was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic.
Merck’s father has thanked the community for its support. In early Oct., Merck, through the Make-a-wish Foundation, traveled to Houston to meet one of his idols, Rockets guard James Harden.
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His father, Mark Merck, shared the news on his Facebook page.
Friends,
Our beloved Ben passed away this morning.
We would like to thank the community for all the love and support they’ve shown to us during Ben’s fight with ALS.
We know many are grieving this loss with us, but we don’t feel despair. We know Ben’s suffering has ended and he is going on to a beautiful place with his Lord and God.
Thank you so much to his Sheyenne High School family. Your support has given us so much comfort. Thank you to all the people in this wonderful community who have cared and prayed for Ben.
We will gather soon to celebrate his life. In the meantime Linda and I will grieve peacefully as a family.
Thank you, Mark and Linda Merck