Hinson Wayne Earhart-Shoffner, the 2-year-old son of former Falcons football player Drake Shoffner, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Delphi, Indiana.
In the months leading up to his death, Hinson had been bravely battling health challenges, including a regrowth of a tumor on his brain stem.
Despite Countless Prayers, Hinson Earhart-Shoffner Lost His Battle With ETMR!
Born on January 8, 2023, Hinson was the beloved son of Drake Earhart-Shoffner and Kaalyn Sandi.
He was first diagnosed in August 2024 with ETMR (Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes), a rare and aggressive tumor located on his brain stem.
Just months after his first birthday, Hinson began a courageous battle.
His family publicly shared updates about his condition through a GoFundMe page entitled “Rally for Hinson: Surgery and Support Needed.”
They revealed that he had undergone brain surgery in September 2024, during which his surgeon successfully removed about 95% of the tumor with periods of hopeful recovery.
He continued treatment with two more rounds of chemotherapy and three rounds of stem cell therapy, which helped shrink the remaining tumor.
By March 2025, the family was finally able to return home, transitioning to maintenance lumbar punctures with chemotherapy injected into his spine.
Later, he faced a recurrence of the tumor in June 2025. A second surgery was scheduled for Thursday, July 17th, and despite the challenges, the family remained hopeful.
Drake, his father, took time off work to be with him during this critical period to be by Hinson’s side.
In August 2025, Hinson began brain and spine radiation, following an MRI that showed two small spots in his spine, likely cancer cells.
Moreover, Hinson faced complications from an eye ulcer caused by numbness from the tumor and surgery.
Though the ulcer healed, his eye required a special drop not covered by insurance, further straining the family’s finances.
His passing at such a young age has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The loss of Hinson Wayne Earhart-Shoffner has deeply affected his family and community.
Hinson is survived by his parents, Drake Earhart-Shoffner and Kaalyn Sandifur, and his brother, Huxson Earhart-Shoffner.
Additionally, he leaves behind his grandparents, Brook and Barry Sandifur, and Lora and Marti Shoffner; aunts, Addison Sandifur, Arielle Shoffner, Ann Marie Messer, and Karissa Messer; and uncles, Cohin Sandifur, Zachary Shoffner, and Conner Shoffner.
As of now, no public date has been announced for the celebration of life and funeral.
Hinson Earhart-Shoffner’s family has kindly requested privacy during this difficult time.
They will share details about his funeral and celebration of life after some time.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Hinson Earhart-Shoffner’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
