Actor and martial art legend Chuck Norris died on Thursday morning, his family statement announced on his Instagram account Friday morning.
He was 86.
“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,” the post said.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, 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,” the post continued.
“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 hospitalization, 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,” the statement read.
IJR reported Thursday Norris was hospitalized following a medical emergency. The emergency seemed sudden.
On Wednesday, Norris was on the phone with a friend while training. He was cracking jokes and showing no signs of distress, TMZ reported.
Norris had been training in Kauai in the days before the emergency. Norris is a black belt in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
