David Samson, a former president of the Miami Marlins and executive in Major League Baseball, is mourning the loss of his daughter Kyra, who passed away at the age of 28 after a prolonged battle with glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer. The tragic news was shared on Wednesday, June 24, through a heartfelt message posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.
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In his poignant tribute, Samson reflected on the devastating impact of the disease and expressed his deep sorrow. “Yesterday, my daughter, Kyra, passed away peacefully after a 9 month and 11 day fight against one of the cruelest diseases I’ve ever seen up close,” he stated. His words paint a vivid picture of a young woman who had her life taken away too soon, yet demonstrated remarkable courage throughout her illness.
Samson elaborated on his daughter’s character, describing her as an individual filled with love and resilience. “It is impossible to encapsulate her essence in just 280 characters,” he remarked, highlighting the profound loss not just to him but to everyone who knew her. He articulated a desire for no other families to endure such heartache, and for no young person to experience the suffering that Kyra faced during her final months.
The former MLB executive made a call to action for those who wished to pay tribute to Kyra, suggesting that memorial contributions could be made to The Kyra Fund. This initiative is dedicated to supporting research aimed at finding effective treatments for glioblastoma, an aggressive cancer that poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to Kyra, Samson and his former spouse, Cindi Jacobs, also have two other children, a daughter named Hannah and a son named Caleb. This close-knit family has been at the forefront of Samson’s thoughts throughout this challenging period.
Kyra’s illness first became public knowledge in September 2025 during an episode of Samson’s podcast, “Nothing Personal with David Samson.” In a candid discussion, he revealed that his daughter had been diagnosed with glioblastoma and described how the diagnosis came as a shock to the family. “I have been spending the last two weeks trying to figure out how to do the only thing that matters, which is to take care of her and my other children and my family,” he shared, illustrating the emotional strain that the family was under.
In the weeks following the announcement of Kyra’s diagnosis, the support from Samson’s family became evident as they united in solidarity. Samson was seen sporting a newly shaved head during a podcast appearance, symbolising their collective fight against cancer. “We all got our heads shaved in support of my daughter,” he explained, showcasing the strong bond that existed among them during such a difficult time.
Throughout the struggle, Samson spoke of Kyra’s tremendous strength and bravery. He acknowledged the challenges posed by her treatments, but also highlighted her understanding of their necessity. “My daughter is a brave woman, is a strong woman,” he remarked, a testament to Kyra’s indomitable spirit as she faced overwhelming adversity.
The community surrounding the MLB and beyond has rallied in support of the Samson family during this heart-wrenching period. The loss of Kyra resonates deeply, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the unfairness of illness, particularly at such a young age. Her legacy will not only live on in the hearts of her family but also through the efforts made in her name to combat glioblastoma and support others affected by this devastating disease.
As the family moves forward, they carry with them the memories of Kyra’s vibrant life, the lessons learned from her battle, and a continued commitment to honour her through advocacy aimed at improving treatments for glioblastoma. In moments of grief, it is the love shared and the strength drawn from each other that often serves as a beacon of hope for the future.