Chuck Norris, the legendary martial artist and action movie star, has died at the age of 86 following a medical emergency in Hawaii. The actor was rushed to a hospital on the island of Kauai, but was said to be in 'good spirits' just hours before his death.
A source who spoke to TMZ reported that Norris was 'cracking jokes' during a phone call shortly before he was hospitalised. The exact nature of his medical emergency has not been disclosed.
Norris's family confirmed his passing in a statement, saying: '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 actor had celebrated his 86th birthday just 10 days before his death, sharing a video on Instagram of himself sparring with a trainer. In the caption, he expressed gratitude for 'another year' and 'good health', writing: 'I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.'
Norris was best known for his roles in films such as The Way of the Dragon alongside Bruce Lee, An Eye for an Eye, and The Expendables 2. His family remembered him as a man of 'faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved'.
