Shark Tank Andy Thomas dead - Kettle Gryp co-founder passes away after cancer battle as show shares

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Kettle Gryp co-founder and Shark Tank star Andy Thomas has died after battling cancer, according to his obituary.

Thomas, 47, was honored in a tear-jerking tribute shown on Shark Tank on Friday, where he made a mark on viewers after his high-energy presentation earned him a $300,000 deal from Lori Greiner.

Shark Lori Greiner revealed the shocking news during Friday's episode, and also honored Thomas on Twitter.

“In Memory of Andrew Thomas Loving husband and father, fearless Marine, dearest of friends. Kettle Gryp Co-Founder," she wrote.

"Here’s to you, Andrew! A true American hero, beloved husband, father & friend to so many. Ur hard work & dedication to @KettleGryp & your partner Daniel will live on. Happy to be partners & to help fulfill ur legacy w/ Kettle Gryp."

Thomas served as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot for two decades.

His wife Carolyn Walz confirmed the news of his December passing on Facebook this week as she asked friends to tune in to Friday's Shark Tank episode.

"If you’re so inclined, tune into Shark Tank at 8 pm on ABC this Friday. My husband, Andy, and his business partner, Dan, will appear as they try to convince the sharks to invest in the Kettle Gryp," Walz wrote.

Most read in The US Sun

"They filmed a couple weeks before Andy fell ill. With a broken heart I’ll be cheering him on and will always carry so much pride for the incredible man he was and the beautiful life he lived."

Friday's Shark Tank saw Thomas and his business partner Dan Sheppard walk away with a $300,000 deal from Greiner, but the episode ended with the news that Thomas had passed away.

Fans of the show quickly reacted to the shocking news, praising the fitness enthusiast online.

One Twitter user wrote: "I was heartbroken to have seen this at the end of the show and on here. He was so full of life and so happy and honored to be on the show.

"Andrew WE are honored Sir to have crossed YOUR path. Daniel and Lori will continue the vision."

Another added: "How many pitchers use their “sad story” to gain sympathy - sometimes it’s genuine, but other times seems contrived. And here this guy was battling cancer and never said a word or used it to gain sympathy for his pitch."

Thomas co-founded the Pangloin Design group with one of his childhood friends and later, also co-founded Kettle Gryp, which went to Shark tank for possible investments. 

The exercising tool Kettle Gryp is described as a way to provide a customer with "unique exercises that build functional strength and range of motion."

The website noted kettlebells can be pricey and not easy to travel with but this tool allows you take it with you easily and are lightweight.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Caroline and son, Rex.


We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57zZ6urGdkaoN4fpVsZqygkae4bsDAp6JmmZ6Zxm7Ax6ikmqtdmbKisIyknK2snJp6qL7YqWY%3D