Beloved Actor Sam Neill Cause Of Death Revealed
The cause of death for beloved Kiwi actor Sam Neill has been revealed, with representatives for the Jurassic Park star confirming that a private family memorial will be held in Aotearoa (New Zealand) at a later date.
In a statement to PEOPLE magazine, a rep for the actor confirmed that he passed away aged 78 due to pneumonia.
“Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy,” the representative said.
“I’d like to thank those who were truly close to Sam for considering his privacy with the respect he earned and his loved ones need and deserve during this immeasurably difficult time.”
Neill’s rep also confirmed that a private family memorial will be held at his farm in Aotearoa at a later date and encouraged fans remembering him to donate to his favourite causes, including The Dunstant Hospital Foundation, The Snowdome Foundation, the NZ Nature Fund and Subtainable Tarras.
Neill’s death was confirmed by his family, who shared a statement on Instagram on July 13.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13 July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” the statement reads.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.
“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
In 2022, the star was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. A year later, Neill confirmed he was in remission.
Neill’s death sent shockwaves across the globe, with many Hollywood heavyweights remembering him as “one of the greats”, a “loving deather” and a “true and noble gentleman”.
He is survived by his four kids, Andrew, Tim, Maiko and Elena.
Image source: Getty Images.
