In heartbreaking news, Leighton Accardo, the 9-year-old daughter of Mets assistant pitching coach Jeremy Accardo, died Tuesday after a long battle with germ cell cancer.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Leighton Accardo,” the Mets tweeted on Tuesday evening. “Her courage and bravery inspired us all. Our condolences to Jeremy and the entire Accardo family.”
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Leighton Accardo.
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 25, 2020
Her courage and bravery inspired us all. Our condolences to Jeremy and the entire Accardo family. 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/icvOGwtEu9
Mets players had previously supported Accardo’s courageous battle, wearing t-shirts reading "Fight Like a Girl #PlayingforLeighton."
Leighton was diagnosed with Stage 4 malignant germ cell tumors in May 2019 and began undergoing chemotherapy.
As her father went through his duties on the Mets' coaching staff, he also trained for the New York City Marathon, and had other staff members like Luis Rojas, Jeremy Hefner, and Gary DiSarcina getting up every morning to run as well.
Leighton was also a huge fan of the Arizona Coyotes, and the team signed her to a one-day contract last year to give her an unforgettable day with her favorite players and coaches, skating with the team on the ice before a game against the Calgary Flames.
She touched our hearts.
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 24, 2019
She made our week.
She changed our lives.
Get to know our brave new teammate Leighton Accardo: pic.twitter.com/X4sEWykzdA
The NHL community is saddened to learn of the passing of Leighton Accardo. Her tremendous courage and glowing personality inspired the hockey world and she will be truly missed.
— NHL (@NHL) November 25, 2020
Our thoughts go out to her family and the @ArizonaCoyotes organization and community. pic.twitter.com/8NOzgMe7Jd
