A Beloved Ambassador Gone Too Soon
It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of Kyle McKittrick, a beloved member of our Triumph Family and ambassador for the spinal cord injury (SCI) community. On Sunday night, December 14th, 2025, after a relentless battle with severe health complications, Kyle passed away surrounded by his loved ones. His death comes after a week-long struggle, during which his partner Emily, his family, and medical team fought tirelessly for answers. Despite their efforts, the cause of his symptoms remained unclear, and his health worsened with each passing day.
Kyle’s passing is not just a loss to his family and friends, but to the entire SCI community. His courage, his unwavering advocacy, and his passion for living life to its fullest were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was not just a participant in the Triumph Family, he was a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength, reminding us all of the importance of resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
A Final Struggle: The Dangers of Autonomic Dysreflexia
Kyle’s journey took a heartbreaking turn when he was hospitalized after experiencing extreme symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a dangerous and life-threatening condition often associated with spinal cord injuries. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, and with Emily’s tireless advocacy for extensive testing, the cause of his suffering remained elusive. Over several days, his condition deteriorated rapidly, marked by dangerously high blood pressure spikes that reached over 200 systolic.
As his symptoms worsened and the pressure on his body mounted, Kyle suffered a brain hemorrhage. His family, knowing how much Kyle valued quality of life, and guided by the love and respect they had for him, made the gut-wrenching decision to remove him from life support. On Sunday night, December 14th, surrounded by the people who loved him most, Kyle passed away peacefully.
The devastating nature of Kyle’s passing highlights the very real dangers that people living with spinal cord injuries face, particularly when it comes to secondary complications like autonomic dysreflexia. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for specialized medical care and vigilance in managing these conditions, as well as the importance of community awareness and advocacy.
Celebrating Kyle’s Life: A Legacy of Strength and Love
As we mourn the loss of Kyle, we also remember the remarkable man he was—someone who brought strength, humor, loyalty, and love into every space he entered. His presence was magnetic, his spirit indomitable. Kyle lived with a resilience that inspired everyone around him. He wasn’t just a survivor; he was a champion for others, advocating for those living with spinal cord injuries and working to raise awareness about the unique health challenges they face.
Kyle’s family has made it clear that they want to celebrate his life in a way that honors the extraordinary person he was. Plans for a memorial service will be shared soon, but it’s already known that this will not be a typical event—it will reflect Kyle’s vibrant spirit and the strength, humor, and heart that made him unforgettable. He had a way of connecting with everyone, whether it was through a quick-witted joke, a thoughtful gesture, or his unwavering support.
Kyle will be missed deeply, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him. In the SCI community, his memory will serve as a powerful reminder of the need for advocacy, awareness, and compassion for those living with spinal cord injuries. We will continue to carry forward the lessons Kyle taught us—of resilience, of friendship, and of the unwavering belief in the value of every life, no matter the challenges we face.