Boy, 2, dies soon after serving as parents’ best man

PITTSBURGH — A terminally ill 2-year-old western Pennsylvania boy who served as his parents’ best man at their wedding last weekend has died, according to his mother’s Facebook page and a family friend.

Christine Swidorsky Stevenson’s Facebook post said little Logan Stevenson died Monday night in her arms at the home she shared with the boy’s father, her new husband, Sean Stevenson. The couple live in Jeannette, about 25 miles east of Pittsburgh, and were wed Saturday at a ceremony at their home.

The boy, who had leukemia and other complications, was dressed in a tan pinstripe suit and orange shirt for the wedding. His mother carried him on her shoulder, before he stood and was held by his grandmother, Debbie Stevenson, to witness the 12-minute ceremony.

A family spokeswoman, Sylvia Johnson of Youngwood, confirmed Logan’s death for The Associated Press on Tuesday. She later released a brief statement from his parents saying: “Logan passed away at 8:18 yesterday evening, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was very comfortable.”

His mother said on Facebook, “He is with angels and he’s in no more pain.”

The post indicates the boy’s breathing became labored before his mother called a hospice worker who told the couple he was dying.

“Sean and I held him all day he was comfortable with his medication then at 8:18 my son took his last breath in my arms,” his mother wrote.

She also thanked those who supported the couple during the boy’s illness and wedding plans.

“We love all of u for all your prayers thank u all for caring god bless u all!” she wrote. “And most of all god bless Logan I’ll c u in my dreams my son.”

The Stevensons abandoned an original wedding date of July 2014 after learning from doctors late last month that their son had two to three weeks to live. The couple wanted Logan to see them marry and to be part of family photos.

Logan, who was born Oct. 22, 2010, was diagnosed shortly after his first birthday with acute myeloid leukemia. He had Fanconi anemia, a rare disease that often leads to cancer.

He underwent a stem cell transplant in July 2012. Last March, he had surgery to remove a kidney ravaged by a tumor.

During a trip to Disney World in June, Logan fell ill. He was hospitalized in Florida before he was flown back to Pittsburgh.

During a trip to the emergency room last month, a test revealed a mass in his remaining kidney, which led to his terminal prognosis.

The boy’s parents kept him at home in his final days, after doctors told them he’d likely be more comfortable there, provided he was properly medicated.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Girl, 11, missing from Lynnwood

Sha’niece Watson’s family is concerned for her safety, according to the sheriff’s office. She has ties to Whidbey Island.

A cyclist crosses the road near the proposed site of a new park, left, at the intersection of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett to use $2.2M for Holly neighborhood’s first park

The new park is set to double as a stormwater facility at the southeast corner of Holly Drive and 100th Street SW.

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge elevator after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator last week, damaging the cables and brakes. (Photo provided by the City of Everett)
Grand Avenue Park Bridge vandalized, out of service at least a week

Repairs could cost $5,500 after someone set off a fire extinguisher in the elevator on April 27.

Marysville
Marysville man arrested in alleged murder conspiracy in Anacortes

Jesse Michael Allen, of Marysville, is the fifth suspect police believe participated in an alleged kidnapping in September.

Construction occurs at 16104 Cascadian Way in Bothell, Washington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
What Snohomish County ZIP codes have seen biggest jumps in home value?

Mill Creek, for one. As interest rates remain high and supplies are low, buyers could have trouble in today’s housing market.

Rylee Fink, 3, left, stomps through the sand while other children run through the water during a low tide at Howarth Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Stock up on sunblock: Highs in 80s could be coming to Snohomish County

Everett could hit a high of 79 on Saturday. Farther inland, temperatures could reach as high as 86 this weekend.

Neighbors stand in Lisa Jansson’s yard to get a view of the wall of processed wood remains, or “hog fuel,” building up along the property’s border with DTG on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Snohomish, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
After complaints, county shuts down DTG’s Maltby recycling facility

For months, neighbors have reported constant noise and pollution at the facility. By July 15, DTG must stop accepting material there.

Everett
Deputies arrest woman after 2-hour standoff south of Everett

Just before 9 a.m., police responded to reports of domestic violence in the 11600 block of 11th Place W.

Bruiser, photographed here in November 2021, is Whidbey Island’s lone elk. Over the years he has gained quite the following. Fans were concerned for his welfare Wednesday when a rumor circulated social media about his supposed death. A confirmed sighting of him was made Wednesday evening after the false post. (Jay Londo )
Whidbey Island’s elk-in-residence Bruiser not guilty of rumored assault

Recent rumors of the elk’s alleged aggression have been greatly exaggerated, according to state Fish and Wildlife.

Jamel Alexander stands as the jury enters the courtroom for the second time during his trial at the Snohomish County Courthouse on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Second trial in Everett woman’s stomping death ends in mistrial

Jamel Alexander’s conviction in the 2019 killing of Shawna Brune was overturned on appeal in 2023. Jurors in a second trial were deadlocked.

A car drives past a speed sign along Casino Road alerting drivers they will be crossing into a school zone next to Horizon Elementary on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Traffic cameras begin dinging school zone violators in Everett

Following a one-month grace period, traffic cameras are now sending out tickets near Horizon Elementary in Everett.

(Photo provided by Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Federal Way Mirror)
Everett officer alleges sexual harassment at state police academy

In a second lawsuit since October, a former cadet alleges her instructor sexually touched her during instruction.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.