Ryan Hadley, who gained fame on the sixth season of the TV show “Ink Master,” died on June 20, 2024, at age 46. He succumbed to seminoma cancer, according to an announcement by his family on Instagram. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his death.
Hadley, an accomplished tattoo artist from Indiana, had a profound impact on the tattoo industry with his distinctive realism tattoos. His family posted on Instagram: “Ryan passed away last night, surrounded by his loved ones. Despite the brevity of his life, he left a lasting legacy in the realms of art and tattooing. He held dear his fans, friends, clients, and his children in particular. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered as a legend.”
In December 2023, Hadley revealed that he had been diagnosed with seminoma, a malignant germ cell tumor associated with testicular cancer. Despite receiving rigorous chemotherapy, the cancer metastasized to his liver and lungs and became incurable.
Hadley was open about his fight with cancer on Instagram, displaying his resolve to battle the disease for as long as he could. He posted, “I’m here, and I’m not giving up, not now, not ever. I’m determined to stay on this earth until I’ve ensured my loved ones have a good life before I leave this body.”
A GoFundMe campaign was set up to document Hadley’s struggle with cancer and to support his family during this difficult period. The campaign aimed to raise funds for his medical bills and to provide for his children. According to the campaign, “Ryan owns a tattoo & art gallery in Indiana and cares for his boys, all under 12. This GoFundMe is to help Ryan pay his bills and provide food for his family while he’s undergoing treatment.” Over $6,000 was raised through this effort.
Members of the tattoo community have expressed their sorrow over Hadley’s death and shared memories of his contributions. Fellow tattoo artist Durb Morrison stated, “We extend our condolences. Ryan was an incredible friend, artist, and father. He will be deeply missed.” Another respected tattoo artist, Freddy Negrete, shared, “This loss is immense for all of us. My sincere condolences.”
Hadley’s legacy extends beyond his skill as a tattoo artist. His commitment to his craft and his tenacity in confronting adversity left a lasting impact on those who knew him. In his final months, he posted on Instagram, “I want to express my gratitude to all my clients, sponsors, friends, and family for 25 amazing years in tattooing.” Despite facing a serious health crisis, he remained hopeful and focused on his family’s future.
Hadley’s passing is a significant loss to the tattoo industry, but his influence and memory will continue to inspire artists and enthusiasts alike.