'Our angel': Connor McGrath, 13-year-old cancer patient, passes away

A 13-year-old cancer patient with ties to Newfoundland has lost his battle with leukemia.

Connor McGrath died at home in Edmonton. He was 13, and had been fighting cancer – acute lymphoblastic leukemia – since he was 10. 

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Pat McGrath says his nephew died Tuesday evening at about 7 p.m., with his parents and some other family members at his side. Connor had been home from hospital for at least a week before he passed away.

"He was full of life like no other kid his age. Very smart and a smile that would light up a room. He was also very funny," his uncle said. 

"We are keeping his parents in our thoughts and prayers, but Connor is free of pain. He is our angel."

McGrath said the family is planning a funeral service in Edmonton, then a cremation to take his ashes home to Newfoundland. 

Connor grew up in Edmonton, with many trips back and home to visit his family. His parents are from St. Bride's and the Placentia area. 

Loving tribute from father

On Facebook, his family and friends shared their loss.

"If you got family hold them and tell them that you love them. Love you, Connor McGrath," wrote his father, Gerald McGrath. 

Friends and family were trying to raise $800,000 to send Connor to the United States for an experimental cancer treatment.

But in February, Connor's mother Kim Searle-McGrath called off an online fundraiser because her son's health had deteriorated. 

Connor's story resonated with many people in Newfoundland, where he was born, and he garnered international attention when actor Ryan Reynolds shared a photo of his special visit with the teen. 

McGrath was a huge fan of Reynolds' movie Deadpool, and the actor visited him at an Edmonton hospital earlier this year.