The statement, published on Wednesday on the late actor’s verified Instagram page, offered the first formal explanation of the illness that claimed his life at the age of 40.

In the statement, the family identified him by his full name, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke, and described him as a beloved husband, son, brother and friend. “After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer,” the statement read. The family added that throughout his illness, he endured his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith and enduring hope, holding on to the belief that his story would one day be shared as a testimony.

The family requested privacy and prayers in this period of grief, noting that funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.