Epic Games Layoffs Leave Terminally Ill Worker Without Insurance

Jenni Griffin says her husband Mike Prinke, who has brain cancer, lost his health coverage after being let go.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a single, polished metal medical syringe resting on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the fragility of life and the difficulties of accessing healthcare when losing employer-provided coverage.A single medical syringe stands as a stark symbol of the healthcare challenges faced by terminally ill workers who lose their employer-provided coverage.Sanford Today

A terminally ill employee with brain cancer was among over 1,000 workers laid off by Epic Games, the video game company behind Fortnite. Jenni Griffin, the wife of 38-year-old Mike Prinke, said the family lost his health insurance as a result, leaving them scrambling to cover his mounting medical costs as his condition worsens.

Why it matters

The layoffs at Epic Games have highlighted the challenges faced by terminally ill workers who rely on employer-provided health insurance. The loss of coverage has put immense financial strain on the Griffin family as they grapple with Mike's terminal diagnosis and dwindling treatment options.

The details

Prinke, a programmer who had worked at Epic Games for nearly seven years, had continued working through his diagnosis and frequent medical appointments. His wife Jenni said his condition was not a secret among his colleagues. However, after being laid off, the family lost not only his income but also his health insurance, making it impossible for them to secure new coverage due to his pre-existing condition.

  • Prinke was among the over 1,000 employees laid off by Epic Games last week.
  • Jenni Griffin posted about the situation on Facebook on Saturday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Jenni Griffin

The wife of Mike Prinke, a terminally ill Epic Games employee who was laid off and lost his health insurance.

Mike Prinke

A 38-year-old resident of Sanford, NC and a programmer who had worked at Epic Games for nearly seven years. He is battling terminal brain cancer.

Tim Sweeney

The CEO of Epic Games, who responded to the online outrage by saying the company would 'solve the insurance' for Prinke and his family.

Epic Games

The video game company behind Fortnite that laid off over 1,000 employees, including the terminally ill Mike Prinke.

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What they’re saying

“Because of the layoff, we didn't just lose income — we lost his life insurance. So now, as I face the reality of losing my husband… I'm also facing the reality of what type of funeral/burial I can afford.”

— Jenni Griffin

“Epic is in contact with the family and will solve the insurance for them. There is high confidentiality around medical information and it was not a factor in this layoff decision. Sorry to everyone for not recognizing this terribly painful situation and handling it in advance.”

— Tim Sweeney, CEO, Epic Games

What’s next

Epic Games has stated it is in contact with the Griffin family and will work to resolve the insurance issues caused by Mike Prinke's layoff. The company is expected to provide an update on the situation by Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact that job losses can have on terminally ill workers and their families, especially when it comes to the loss of critical health insurance coverage. It underscores the need for stronger worker protections and safety nets to support those facing life-threatening illnesses.