Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died at the age of 78, leaving fans around the world in shock.
The family of the acclaimed New Zealand actor confirmed that he passed away on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia. Neill was best known for portraying the intelligent and determined paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the original Jurassic Park film and its sequels.
In a statement shared shortly after his death, the family said, “It is with immense sadness that the whānau (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia.”
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” the statement read. “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.”
The family also expressed gratitude to the medical staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
Neill had revealed in April that he was cancer-free after undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. He had been diagnosed with stage three blood cancer in March 2022.
Widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Neill starred in the Jurassic Park trilogy and reprised his iconic role in Jurassic World Dominion (2022).
The veteran actor had also completed work on two upcoming films, The Last Resort and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, both of which are expected to be released posthumously.
Rapper Lil Poppa passes away at age 25
Earlier, rapper Lil Poppa, original name Janarious Mykel Wheeler, was found dead Wednesday in Fulton County. He was 25 years old.
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, he was pronounced dead at 11:23 a.m. local time.
The news has sent shockwaves through fans, fellow artists, and the wider hip-hop community, particularly as he had released new music just days before his passing.
Known for his emotionally candid lyrics and vivid storytelling, Lil Poppa built a strong following through music that often reflected personal struggles and resilience.
Authorities have confirmed that the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. The Medical Examiner’s Office stated that a full investigation is ongoing, including an autopsy and toxicology testing, and that results may take time.
Following the announcement, unverified claims began circulating on social media, including speculation about suicide.
However, officials have emphasised that no official cause of death has been released and have urged the public not to spread rumours. Some online discussions have also referenced the rapper’s past openness about living with sickle cell anaemia, though there has been no confirmation that it played any role.
