Timothy Brown, first person cured of HIV, dies of cancer

Timothy Brown, the first known person to be cured of HIV, has died of cancer, according to the International AIDS Society.

The 54-year-old, who is dubbed “the Berlin Patient” at the 2008 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, breathed his last on Tuesday at his home in Palm Springs, California.

The American was diagnosed with both HIV and acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, while living in Berlin more than a decade ago.

He thereafter had a bone marrow transplant from a donor with natural resistance to the AIDS virus.

For years, that was thought to have cured his leukemia and HIV as he showed no signs of both diseases.

But in a recent interview, Brown had said his cancer returned in 2019 and spread widely. He had also said that he was receiving hospice care in Palm Springs.

Tim Hoeffgen, Brown’s partner, took to Facebook on Wednesday to announce that he passed away amidst friends after a five-month battle with leukemia.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that Timothy passed away at 3:10 pm this afternoon surrounded by myself and friends, after a 5 month battle with leukemia,” the post read.

“I met Tim when we were both living in Henderson NV, one day after my birthday, on 3/29/13. I was instantly attracted to his smile, wit, handsome face, and very sweet nature.

“We enjoyed being around each other all the time so I asked him to move in with me 6 months later. I am truly blessed that we shared a life together but I’m heartbroken that my hero is gone.

“Tim was truly the sweetest person in the world. Tim’s spirit will live on and the love and support from family and friends will help me through this most difficult time.”