Actor Samuel Monroe Jr has died at the age of 52, four months after being admitted to hospital and put on life support in a medically induced coma while suffering with MRSA pneumonia as he battled meningitis.
Known for his work in films such as 1993's Menace II Society, 1995's Tales from the Hood, 1996's Set It Off, and 1998's The Players Club, as well as TV shows such as NYPD Blue, the star first contracted meningitis while shooting a film in Las Vegas almost two years ago.
Mother confirms the news
His mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed the news in a social media post. "I want to thank all of my Facebook family and friends new and old for praying for Samuel Monroe, Jr., my son. But today God called him home. Please honor my final request to pray for the family, especially his 3 children," she wrote.
The star had been admitted to hospital at the end of April.
Health condition and fundraiser
MRSA pneumonia is a severe, rapidly progressing lung infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, often leading to necrosis (tissue death) and sepsis. It occurs as both hospital-acquired (HAP) and community-acquired (CA-MRSA) infections, with symptoms including high fever, severe breathing trouble, and bloody cough. Prompt treatment is vital for the condition.
The star's family had previously set up a GoFundMe to cover his substantial medical bills as he fought for his life. The fundraiser gave more details of his treatment and struggles in the months leading up to his hospitalisation. It also revealed he would require around-the-clock care should he have regained consciousness.
Family's appeal
"I'd like to share a fundraiser for Samuel Monroe Jr., a husband, father, son, brother and friend who is fighting for his life as he battles meningitis," it read. "The emotional and financial strain on his family has been immense over the last nine months, with Samuel being in multiple hospitals and two rehabilitation centres."
"Samuel's mother Joyce and his wife, Shawna, siblings, and some of [his] good friends have spent months travelling back and forth to hospitals, the Rehabilitation Centre for more than nine months. In the event that Samuel regains consciousness and is removed from life support. Samuel will require round-the-clock care for a year or more, the doctors are saying. We have faith and trust that God will carry him through this."
