'American Ninja Warrior' contestant adopts abandoned special-needs baby after own baby dies

George Back
·Producer, Yahoo Entertainment

American Ninja Warrior competitor Josh Butler was cheered on by his wife, Katie, and their son Braxtel during the Daytona Beach Finals. Braxtel is the Butler’s second son, who they met in a heartbreakingly serendipitous way.

The Butlers’ first son was named Dewey. Josh said, “Dewey, was born in May 2015 with a genetic disorder that had never been documented before. He had trouble breathing and he had trouble eating.”

Dewey died after only 132 days. While the loss of their son was understandably devastating, the Butlers said it ended with a blessing.

Josh recalled, “One of the nurses from the hospital told us that there was a baby on the fifth floor, Braxtel. His family had deserted him, really, and he had some of the same illnesses that Dewey did.”

The Butlers offered to foster Braxtel, and not long afterward they legally adopted him. As family they have all begun the healing process, particularly Braxtel. Katie said, “He’s experienced such healing, such supernatural healing. We are so grateful.”

American Ninja Warrior airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Watch clips and full episodes of American Ninja Warrior free on Yahoo View.

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