By Desire Emmanuel with Agency Reports
Legendary American actor and martial artiste, Chuck Norris, died on Thursday at the age of 86, just a day after reports emerged that he had been hospitalised in Hawaii following a sudden medical emergency.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, with the Norris family stating their preference to “keep the circumstances private,” the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC reported on Friday, March 20.
Norris’ family confirmed his death in a lengthy Instagram post.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.
“To the world, he was a martial artiste, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.
Thank you for loving him with us.”
Norris’ death came as a shock to his army of fans, especially as he had shown just how active he had remained a little over a week earlier.
The action star recently celebrated his 86th birthday and shared a video on social media showing himself training and sparring, reinforcing his long-standing reputation for fitness and longevity.
Norris rose to global fame through a combination of martial arts excellence and Hollywood success, starring in films such as “Walker, Texas Ranger” and becoming a pop culture icon over several decades.
Known for his toughness both on and off screen, he had remained a widely admired figure well into his later years.
