Adam James Butch, the grandson of veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, star of The Incredible Dr. Pol, passed away on September 18, 2019, at age 23. Born on August 20, 1996, in Saginaw, Michigan, Adam was a kind-hearted pharmacy technician with a promising future. His cause of death remains unconfirmed, with speculation pointing to depression or possible hereditary cancer, though his family has kept details private. This obituary explores Adam’s age, biography, family, Dr. Pol connection, and the impact of his loss, updated for 2025 with insights into his legacy.
Adam James Butch’s Biography
Adam James Butch was a compassionate young man known for his love of music, football, and helping others. Born to Gregory Butch and Kathlene Pol Butch, he grew up in Bay City, Michigan, raised by his mother and maternal grandparents, Dr. Jan Pol and Diane Pol, after his father’s death. Adam attended MacGregor Elementary, St. Stanislaus Elementary, and Holy Family Middle School, graduating from All Saints High School in 2014. A National Honor Society member and varsity football player, he pursued higher education at Michigan State University, working as a computer science teaching assistant and contributing to the Relay for Life committee for cancer research. Returning home, he earned certification as a pharmacy technician and worked at Rite Aid, starting two days before his death (Bay City Times, 2019).
Unique Insight: Adam’s involvement in Relay for Life, driven by his father’s cancer battle, highlights a personal commitment to community, reflecting a 15% rise in youth volunteering for health-related causes, per a 2024 American Cancer Society report.
Age at Time of Death
Adam was 23 years old when he passed away on September 18, 2019. His birth on August 20, 1996, placed him under the Leo zodiac, aligning with his outgoing and warm personality. His young age amplified the tragedy, as he was just beginning his career and personal journey (Morning Sun, 2019).
Cause of Death
The cause of Adam James Butch’s death has not been publicly disclosed by his family, who requested privacy (Ambrose Funeral Home, 2019). Adam was found unresponsive at his home in Mount Pleasant, Bay City, and declared dead on September 18, 2019. Speculation includes:
- Depression: Some sources suggest Adam battled depression, potentially contributing to his death, though no official confirmation exists (Tvstarbio, 2024).
- Hereditary Cancer: Given his father Gregory Butch’s death from cancer in 2016, some fans theorize Adam may have faced a similar illness, supported by his Relay for Life involvement (Distractify, 2021). However, no medical evidence confirms this.
The family’s decision to withhold autopsy results has fueled rumors, but their silence underscores a desire to grieve privately (Earn The Necklace, 2019).
Critical Perspective: The lack of transparency about Adam’s cause of death reflects a broader cultural tension between public curiosity and personal privacy, especially for families in the spotlight. Without evidence, assumptions about depression or cancer remain speculative, and respecting the family’s wishes is paramount.
Family and Dr. Pol Connection
Adam was deeply tied to the Pol family, featured on The Incredible Dr. Pol, a Nat Geo Wild series (2011–2024) about Dr. Jan Pol’s veterinary practice in Weidman, Michigan. His family includes:
- Mother: Kathlene Pol Butch, Dr. Pol’s adopted daughter, who later married Thomas Rakowski.
- Father: Gregory Scott Butch (1965–2016), who died of cancer at age 50. Gregory appeared in The Incredible Dr. Pol Season 6, Episode 2 (“Udderly Frozen,” 2015) (thecelebsinfo, 2025).
- Sister: Rachel Butch, who lived with Adam and their mother.
- Maternal Grandparents: Dr. Jan Pol and Diane Pol, who raised Adam after Gregory’s death.
- Paternal Grandparents: Thomas and JoAnne Butch.
- Extended Family: Uncle Charles Pol, a producer and actor on The Incredible Dr. Pol, and aunt Diane Pol Jr., Dr. Pol’s eldest adopted child (Realitystarfacts, 2025).
Adam’s Dr. Pol connection was evident in his single appearance on the show, assisting at Pol Veterinary Services. Though not a regular, his presence resonated with fans due to the family-centric nature of the series (Yahoo, 2025). His obituary aired in the Season 15 finale (September 21, 2019), with a quiet tribute noting him as a “beloved son, grandson, and brother” (thecelebsinfo, 2025).
Community Reflection: Fans expressed grief on social media, with one writing, “Adam’s episode with Dr. Pol showed his kind spirit. Such a loss” (Reddit, 2024).
Adam James Butch Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adam James Butch |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1996 |
| Date of Death | September 18, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 23 years old |
| Place of Birth | Saginaw, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Education | MacGregor Elementary, St. Stanislaus Elementary, Holy Family Middle School, All Saints High School (2014), Michigan State University |
| Occupation | Pharmacy Technician (Rite Aid) |
| Notable Appearance | The Incredible Dr. Pol (one episode) |
| Cause of Death | Unconfirmed (speculated: depression or hereditary cancer) |
| Parents | Gregory Scott Butch (d. 2016), Kathlene Pol Butch (married Thomas Rakowski) |
| Siblings | Rachel Butch |
| Grandparents | Dr. Jan Pol, Diane Pol (maternal); Thomas Butch, JoAnne Butch (paternal) |
| Other Relatives | Uncle Charles Pol, Aunt Diane Pol Jr. |
| Partner | Girlfriend Julia Shepherd |
| Close Friend | Tyler Schmidt |
| Hobbies | Playing guitar, making music, football, outdoor activities |
| Funeral Details | September 26, 2019, at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish-St. Stanislaus Church, Bay City, MI; interment at St. Patrick Cemetery |
Legacy and Impact
Adam’s brief life left a lasting mark. His kind demeanor, love for music (especially guitar), and community involvement through Relay for Life endeared him to many (Legacy, 2019). His work as a pharmacy technician reflected his desire to help others, a trait fans linked to Dr. Pol’s ethos (Tuko.co.ke, 2021). The Pol family’s silence on his death preserved their privacy, but the outpouring of condolences from fans worldwide—on platforms like Facebook and Reddit—showed his impact (Alaska TV Shows, 2025).
Personal Reflection: Adam’s story resonates as a reminder of life’s fragility. His connection to Dr. Pol’s legacy adds depth to the show’s family narrative, making his loss felt even by those who never met him.
Follow Adam James Butch’s Legacy
Explore Adam’s connection to The Incredible Dr. Pol on Nat Geo Wild or Disney+. Read his obituary on Legacy.com or follow Dr. Pol’s updates on Instagram (@thedrpol).
