Alabama’s elected leaders joined thousands of supporters Thursday in mourning Will Roberts, the 15-year-old from Ralph, Alabama, whose battle with osteosarcoma inspired a statewide — and ultimately national — outpouring of prayer, support and advocacy.
The tributes carried added significance because several of the officials mourning Will had also supported the Roberts family as they sought experimental treatment for Will.
As Yellowhammer News previously reported, Will’s emotional video asking the public to help spread his story quickly gained national attention in April. Within hours, the family said they received a call from Dr. Mehmet Oz, who contacted the developers of the experimental cancer treatment DeltaRex-G in Santa Monica, California.
Will’s mother also credited U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) and Jared Hudson with helping bring national attention to her son’s case.
Britt later shared a FaceTime conversation with Will before he traveled to California, publicly thanking President Donald Trump, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz for helping ensure he had access to the experimental treatment.
Following news of Will’s death Thursday, those leaders joined thousands of others in remembering the Alabama teen whose faith and determination touched lives across the country.
Tuberville said Will’s determination left a lasting impression far beyond Alabama.
“Will fought to the finish and inspired millions of people across our country during his 15 years on earth,” Tuberville wrote. “Please join me in praying for the Roberts family and Will’s friends as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
Britt said she and her husband, Wesley, were deeply saddened by the news, describing Will as “an incredible fighter, a national inspiration, and a powerful example of courage and perseverance in the face of the unthinkable.”
“The entire state of Alabama mourns this loss,” Britt wrote. “Please join us in praying for his parents, Jason and Brittney, family, friends, and loved ones.”
Moore said his family joined “hundreds of thousands of Alabamians” in praying for the Roberts family while celebrating Will’s life and legacy.
“Our family, team, and hundreds of thousands of Alabamians are lifting the Roberts family up in prayer today as we celebrate Will Roberts’ incredible life and story,” Moore wrote.
“Will passed on into the arms of his Heavenly Father this morning, but there’s no doubt that the impact he made on Earth in his 15 years with us will carry on for generations. Heather and I are grateful to be among the millions who have been inspired by his deep faith and love for the Lord.”
Moore concluded his tribute by sharing Matthew 25:21:
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
Gov. Kay Ivey said Will’s courage left a lasting mark on Alabama.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of young Will Roberts,” Ivey wrote on X. “Alabama will remember Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all. God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. Join me in praying for the Roberts family during this unimaginable loss.”
Will’s fight united people across political, geographic and professional lines. Elected officials, physicians, churches, business leaders, entertainers and countless supporters rallied behind the Roberts family after Will’s heartfelt video appeal went viral, praying for him, sharing his story and helping the family pursue experimental treatment in California.
Although each leader shared a different message, they all remembered Will for his courage and faith while asking Alabamians to continue praying for Jason and Brittney Roberts and their family in the days ahead.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
