Nicholas Lyndhurst has spoken of his heartbreak following the death of his son, Archie, who died suddenly in September 2020. The Only Fools and Horses star, who welcomed his only child with his wife, Lucy, in 2000, said they were "utterly grief-stricken" after the 19-year-old passed away in his sleep.
Death at family home
Archie, recognised for his portrayal of Oliver 'Ollie' Coulton in the CBBC sitcom So Awkward, died at the family's home in Fulham, west London. A post-mortem later determined that he had died as a result of an intracerebral haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia.
In January 2021, Archie's mother, Lucy, posted an update on Instagram. "Dearest friends, it's so difficult to know where to start. There is no easy way in any of this. On the 22nd of September, our world blew apart; the damage caused to it is totally irreparable," she began.
Parents' tribute
"Archie was, and always will remain, our everything. Those of you who know us know the catastrophic effect it has had, and will have, on us for the rest of our days."
"Archie was the most extraordinary magical human being we have ever met. We are still learning each day the incredible impact he had on others' lives, the kindness and generosity he showed them," she continued.
"He was an old soul and incredibly advanced for his years in many ways. As his parents, we couldn't be prouder of him for all he achieved in the short time he was given, and especially for the beautiful human being he was. We are so grateful and privileged to have been chosen to be his parents. The journey and adventure have been the best anyone could ever have wished for. A truly magical time in every way possible."
Cause of death confirmed
Revealing that a second post-mortem had identified Archie's cause of death, Lucy noted, "He died from an intracerebral haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia. This is not Leukaemia as we know it; the word acute in medical terms means rapid. He assured us that there wasn't anything anyone could have done, as Archie showed no signs of illness. Archie had numerous bleeds on the brain, and the doctor went to great lengths to reassure us that he wouldn't have been in any pain as it happened in his sleep."
"The results utterly floored us to think something like this could happen. It's very rare, and around only 800 people a year die from it."
More recently, Lucy penned a tribute to Archie on what would have been his 26th birthday. She and Nicholas have also honoured their son by relaunching and championing Fated To Pretend, the streetwear fashion brand that he started in 2018.
