Martin Hirigoyen Kelly, a distinguished British plastic surgeon, is perhaps best known for his marriage to actress Natascha McElhone, with whom he shared a family and a decade of marriage before his untimely death. While Kelly’s professional achievements as a surgeon remain notable, it is his sudden passing and the subsequent impact on McElhone and their children that have garnered significant public attention.
Early Life and Career
Born in the UK, Martin Hirigoyen Kelly’s life was primarily defined by his work as a plastic surgeon. His professional life was grounded in medical practice, where he earned a reputation for his skill and dedication in the field. Details regarding his early education and medical career are relatively private, as Kelly led a relatively quiet life outside the public eye.
However, it was his marriage to Natascha McElhone, a prominent British actress, that brought Kelly into the limelight. McElhone, known for her roles in The Truman Show and Californication, had a successful acting career, which frequently intersected with Kelly’s life. Their shared commitment to family and a private life made their story all the more poignant when tragedy struck.
A Tragic Loss
In May 2008, Martin Hirigoyen Kelly tragically passed away from dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively. His death occurred just a day after he and McElhone celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, an event that now carries heavy emotional weight for the family. Kelly was found collapsed at their London home, and despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
At the time of his death, McElhone was left to raise their three young sons: Theodore, Otis, and Rex. Rex, the youngest, was born just five months after his father’s passing, marking a bittersweet moment for McElhone, as she navigated grief while also welcoming a new life into the world.
Natascha McElhone’s Grief and Tribute
The impact of Martin Kelly’s death on McElhone was profound. In the wake of her husband’s passing, McElhone channeled her grief into writing. She published a heartfelt book titled After You: Letters of Love, and Loss, to a Husband and Father in 2010. This book, which features a series of letters to her late husband, became a way for McElhone to process her emotions and to connect with her children during the difficult years following Kelly’s death. The letters documented the challenges of single motherhood and the emotional toll of living without her partner.
Through her writing, McElhone was able to share not only her personal journey but also the collective experience of mourning with her family. Her vulnerability in addressing the pain of loss resonated with many readers and further solidified her as a multifaceted figure in the public eye both as an actress and as a grieving widow.
The Legacy of Martin Hirigoyen Kelly
Although Martin Hirigoyen Kelly’s life was tragically short, his memory lives on through his family. McElhone and their children have continued to honor his legacy in various ways, both publicly and privately. McElhone’s career has flourished despite the personal challenges she has faced, and she remains active in the entertainment industry. In addition to her acting, McElhone has taken on roles in high-profile projects, including Netflix’s The Crown and the Halo series on Paramount.
Their sons, growing up without their father, have had to adapt to life with the legacy of their father’s love and the memories left behind. As McElhone continues to raise them, she speaks openly about the impact of loss, which has influenced much of her personal and professional work since Kelly’s death.
FAQs
Who was Martin Hirigoyen Kelly?
Martin Hirigoyen Kelly was a renowned British craniofacial surgeon who specialized in reconstructive surgery for children with severe facial deformities. He worked at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London and was instrumental in founding the charity Facing The World, which provides surgical treatment for children from around the world with complex facial conditions. He was also a respected plastic surgeon and academic who made significant contributions to his field.
What is Facing The World?
Facing The World is a charity founded by Martin Kelly and his colleague Norman Waterhouse in 2003. The charity provides life-changing surgery and aftercare to children suffering from severe facial deformities who cannot receive treatment in their home countries. It is recognized for its work in bringing children to the UK for surgery and rehabilitation.
How did Martin Hirigoyen Kelly pass away?
Martin Kelly tragically passed away on May 20, 2008, at the age of 43, just one day after his 10th wedding anniversary. He was found unresponsive in the doorway of his home and was rushed to the hospital where he worked, but could not be revived. The cause of death was later determined to be dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Was Martin Kelly married?
Yes, Martin Kelly was married to actress Natascha McElhone, whom he wed on May 19, 1998. They had three children together. After his death, McElhone wrote a poignant book, After You: Letters of Love, and Loss, to a Husband and Father, which documented her grief and their family’s journey after his passing.
What impact did Martin Kelly have on the field of plastic surgery?
Kelly’s contributions to craniofacial surgery were groundbreaking. He worked internationally to improve the lives of children with facial deformities and was passionate about advancing surgical techniques. His career and the charity Facing The World continue to impact many lives today, as it has helped over 30 children who would otherwise have gone without proper treatment
In Summary
The story of Martin Hirigoyen Kelly, though largely overshadowed by his wife’s public career, remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. His passing left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him, especially his wife Natascha McElhone, who has since found ways to honor his memory while navigating the challenges of single motherhood and loss. Through her book, public interviews, and ongoing work, McElhone has shown strength and resilience, proving that even in the face of the most heartbreaking tragedies, love and memory can endure.
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