Shark Tank star Andy Thomas has died after a battle with cancer.
The Kettle Gryp co-founder was just 47.
Shark Tank paid tribute to the former contestant who was a hit with viewers after his high-energy presentation earned him a $30,000 deal from Lori Greiner.
Entrepreneur Lori revealed the devastating news on the show during an episode of Shark Tank.
She also tweeted: "In Memory of Andrew Thomas Loving husband and father, fearless Marine, dearest of friends. Kettle Gryp Co-Founder.
"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." [sic]
Andy served as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot for two decades before finding fame on the show.
The former Marine was the co-founder of the Kettle Gryp, along with his high school friend Daniel Shephard.
They developed the workout device to be portable for gym bunnies who love to travel.
Andy was a ball of energy as they pitched their idea to the millionaires in Shark Tank.
His positive attitude helped the duo secure a $30,000 deal from Lori Greiner.
Fans of the show were delighted this week when the Kettle Gryp founders won the $30,000 deal to grow their company.
But at the end of the episode there was a tribute to honour Andy Thomas after his death.
Shark Tank is the American version of Dragon's Den.
Dragon's Den has helped launch some incredible businesses in recent years - but the show has also missed out on a few opportunities.
One candidate who appeared on the hit BBC show this week has told how he's bounced back after being rejected.
Entrepreneur Mark Wong pitched his non-alcoholic beer to Sara Davies, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Touker Suleyman and new Dragon Steven Bartlett.
He moved to the UK from Hong Kong as a teenager unable to speak English but went on to study philosophy at Durham University.
He was forced to give up a career as a wine expert after being diagnosed with alcohol-induced liver damage - prompting him to look at the non-alcoholic options.
He developed Imbossibrew - a beer brewed with plants to help you unwind without the alcohol and was invited to pitch it to the Dragons after winning several awards.
None of the Dragons were interested, commenting that he was "too early into his business journey’ and ‘There was too much competition in the industry.
But since walking out of the Den empty-handed Mark has secured almost double the investment and the company has grown by 930% and won a gold award at the European Beer Challenge beating.
