Ryan Reynolds, owner of Wrexham, expresses heartbreak after experiencing a personal tragedy.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has released an emotional statement following the heartbreaking death of his close friend and colleague Pierce Thiot, who has died at the age of 40.

The Hollywood actor and entrepreneur paid tribute to Thiot, who had been an important member of his creative company, Maximum Effort, for almost five years. Reynolds described his late colleague as an exceptional person whose creativity, generosity and dedication had made a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Ryan Reynolds(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

In a deeply personal tribute, Reynolds said it was difficult to imagine a future without Thiot, both personally and within the company they had helped build together.

“He was beloved,” Reynolds said while remembering his friend. “We adored and admired Pierce. He was generous with his time and love. He was funny as hell. He gave the best hugs.”

Reynolds went on to describe Thiot as a “shining light of creativity, kindness and hard work”, underlining just how highly he was regarded by those who knew and worked alongside him.

Pierce Thiot’s Tragic Death

It has been confirmed that Thiot died at his home in Orem, Utah, after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

His death has left friends, colleagues and the wider creative community mourning the loss of a talented professional who had established an impressive career before joining Maximum Effort.

T hiot had spent almost five years working with Reynolds’ company and played a major role in a number of high-profile creative campaigns and projects.

His contribution went well beyond his work at Maximum Effort, however, as he had already developed a strong reputation within the advertising and creative industries.

Before becoming part of Reynolds’ team, Thiot had worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest companies, including Apple, Nike, Gatorade and Coca-Cola.

He was also responsible for the hugely popular “Will It Beard?” phenomenon, which became a viral success and helped demonstrate his distinctive creative approach.

His Work With Maximum Effort

After joining Maximum Effort, Thiot continued to make his mark through a variety of major campaigns.

He worked alongside Reynolds and other members of the creative team on projects for companies such as DoorDash, L’Oreal and Mint Mobile.

His work also extended beyond traditional commercial advertising.

Thiot contributed to projects connected with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as productions including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Coyote vs. Acme.

His creativity was also recognised within the television industry.

He was a co-writer on National Geographic’s Emmy-winning Underdogs series, further highlighting the breadth of his work and the reputation he had built throughout his career.

For Reynolds and the rest of Maximum Effort, Thiot was clearly much more than simply a colleague.

His personality, humour and generosity appear to have made him an especially valued member of the organisation, making his death an enormous loss for those who worked with him.

Reynolds’ Emotional Tribute

Reynolds reflected on the impact Thiot had on the company and the people around him, saying that his absence would be impossible to comprehend.

“Pierce was a shining light of creativity, kindness and hard work,” Reynolds said.

“It is impossible to imagine the world, let alone our company, without him.”

The comments offered a glimpse into the close relationship Reynolds shared with Thiot and the profound effect his death has had on the Maximum Effort team.

Reynolds also made clear that his support would extend beyond the workplace, offering assistance to Thiot’s family as they cope with their devastating loss.

Support for Thiot’s Family

The actor said that his thoughts and efforts would remain focused on Thiot’s loved ones in the aftermath of his death.

“Our hearts and efforts will forever be with his wife Stacy, his children Adelaide and Jackson and his work partner of over a decade Kathleen Swanson,” Reynolds said.

The statement highlighted the importance of supporting the family during an incredibly difficult period.

Thiot leaves behind his wife, Stacy, and their children, Adelaide and Jackson, as well as his longtime professional partner Kathleen Swanson, who had worked with him for more than a decade.

His death has therefore been felt not only by Maximum Effort but also by the many people who knew him throughout his professional and personal life.

Reynolds’ Connection to Wrexham

Reynolds has become an increasingly prominent figure in north Wales since becoming the owner of Wrexham.

He purchased the club alongside fellow actor Rob McElhenney in 2021, beginning one of the most remarkable ownership stories in modern football.

Since taking control of the Welsh club, the pair have helped transform Wrexham’s profile around the world while also overseeing an extraordinary improvement in the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

The club’s rise has attracted international attention, while Reynolds’ involvement has made him a familiar and popular figure among supporters.

However, away from football and his successful Hollywood career, the loss of Thiot represents a deeply personal tragedy for Reynolds.

His emotional words make clear that Thiot was an important friend, colleague and creative partner whose influence will continue to be remembered.

As Maximum Effort and Thiot’s loved ones mourn his passing, Reynolds’ tribute has offered a poignant reflection on a man remembered for his creativity, kindness, humour, hard work and generosity.

For those who worked with him, his contribution to the company and the creative world will leave a lasting legacy.