Jurassic Park star Sam Neill‘s cause of death has been revealed.
The actor’s manager, Philip Grenz, confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday evening that Sam died of pneumonia on Monday. Prior to growing ill, he had fought and beaten lymphoma thanks to a new treatment called CAR-T therapy.
And proving just how well he was doing, his manager said, alongside running his winery, Two Paddocks, Sam filmed 4 projects back-to-back this year, all of which will be released in the coming months.
Related: Laura Dern Mourns ‘Lifetime Friend’ Sam Neill
Sam’s family and friends plan to hold a private service for the 78-year-old at his New Zealand farm, but no public service or celebration of life is expected to take place. The manager pointed out that the performer never liked making a scene about himself, something his loved ones are honoring after his death.
That said, those who wish to honor his memory in some way have been asked by the family to donate to causes Sam cared about, in lieu of flowers. Those include the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, the Snowdome Foundation, or any charity that supports sustainability, protection, and preservation of New Zealand’s wildlife, native bush, and land, such as the NZ Nature Fund and Sustainable Tarras.
The rep added in a statement to People:
“I’d like to thank those who were truly close to Sam for considering his privacy with the respect he earned and his loved ones need and deserve during this immeasurably difficult time.”
We’re very, very sorry for this loss and sending love to Sam’s family and friends as they continue to mourn. May he rest in peace.
[Image via MEGA/WENN & Universal Pictures/YouTube]
