Action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, it has been confirmed.
The American actor and martial artist died on Thursday morning in Hawaii, having been rushed to hospital in a medical emergency.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, the announcement this afternoon read: ‘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.’
It added in tribute: ‘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.’
His ‘brokenhearted’ loved ones said they are ‘deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments [they] 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,’ it told his 2.8million followers. ‘To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.’
Declining to divulge further details of his recent health woes, the message went on to say: ‘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.’
TMZ previously claimed a source told them Norris had been in ‘good spirits’ despite his hospitalisation.
Norris’ death comes shortly after the black belt in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo celebrated his birthday.
Earlier this month, he posted a video on social media about turning 86. The star of the TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, shared footage sparring with a trainer, writing in the caption: ‘I don’t age. I level up.’
He added to loyal followers: ‘I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.
‘I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world.’
The performer, whose silver screen roles have included Delta Force and The Expendables sequel, went on to write: ‘Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.’
Norris served in the US Air Force and went on to win multiple martial arts championships.
He also founded his own discipline, Chun Kuk Do, and trained celebrities in martial arts.
His late friend, actor and martial artist Bruce Lee, cast him as villain Colt in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon, and late Hollywood legend Steve McQueen then encouraged Norris to continue acting.
His most popular role came in 1993 as the titular character Ranger Cordell Walker in Walker, Texas Ranger.
After the CBS show ended in 2001, Norris continued playing lead roles in movies until 2006, while his last major film appearance came in 2012 with The Expendables 2.
In 2017, Norris said he had given up his film career to focus on the health of his wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998.
At the end of last year, Norris shared the news that his first wife and high school sweetheart, Dianne Holecheck, had died at age 84 after a dementia diagnosis.
In a tender Facebook post, he said he was ‘deeply saddened’, writing: ‘After being married for 30 years, we were able to find a way to remain close friends, and those years of friendship meant the world to me.
‘Dianne was an incredible person. She was kind, intelligent, and lived life to the fullest. Her presence in my life will never be forgotten.’
He described her as a ‘loving and devoted’ mother to their Mike and Eric, who are among the five children he has.
Tributes are now flooding in for the ‘legend’, with fans writing online that he ‘shaped [their] childhood’ and ‘inspired millions around the world’.
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