Zack Sobiech, the 18-year-old who inspired millions with a song about his battle with cancer, died Monday after several years fighting the disease.
"With heavy hearts, we are saddened to share that Zach Sobiech passed away this morning. Zach was at home and at peace with those he loved most," said a statement from the Children's Cancer Research Fund. "Zach's life ended just as he lived, embraced by the love of his family, friends, grace and music."
The Minnesota teen was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma when he was 14. Last June, he was told by doctors that he likely had less than a year to live.
After that sobering news, he released a video later that year for his song "Clouds," which now has over 3.3 million views on YouTube.
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"If only I had a little bit more time with you. We could go up, up, up, and take that little ride, we'll sit there holding hands and everything will be just right," Sobiech sings in the upbeat, inspirational song.
"Maybe someday, I'll see you again, we'll float up in the clouds and we'll never see the end."
Earlier this month dozens of people, including celebrities Brian Cranston, Rainn Wilson, Jason Mraz and Sarah Silverman lip-synched along to the song for a video that now has over one million views on YouTube.
In a documentary about his fight against cancer, called "My Last Days," Sobiech talks about the importance of inspiring others.
"I've been told I have a few months to live, but I still have a lot of work to do," a defiant Sobiech says at the beginning of the film. "I want everyone to know, you don't have to find out you're dying to start living."
In the film, Zack dances with his girlfriend at the centre of the Minnesota Vikings football stadium, drives his dream car and daydreams about the future he could have if he overcame cancer.
"I want to be remembered as the kid who went down fighting and didn't really lose," he says as the film concludes.
