Harmon Killebrew losing fight against cancer, will enter hospice care

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The Minnesota Twins released a statement Friday from Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who has spent the last several months battling esophageal cancer, saying he has ‘exhausted all options for treatment of the awful disease’ and that the cancer is incurable.

‘It is with profound sadness that I share with you that my continued battle with esophageal cancer is coming to an end,’ said Killebrew, 74. ‘My illness has progressed beyond my doctors’ expectation of cure. I have spent the past decade of my life promoting hospice care and educating people on its benefits. I am very comfortable taking this next step and experiencing the compassionate care that hospice provides.’

Killebrew, who lives in Arizona, was diagnosed with cancer in December.

‘I am comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by my family and friends,’ he said. ‘I look forward to spending my final days in comfort and peace with [wife] Nita by my side.’

Killebrew hit 573 home runs and made 11 All-Star appearances during his 22-year career spent mostly with the Washington Senators and Twins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

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