Hollywood star Chuck Norris died on Thursday at the age of 86, according to a statement from his family.
He was the former martial arts champion and ’80s action movie hero who fought bad guys in “Code of Silence,” “Missing in Action” and “The Delta Force” and enforced the law in the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Below is the full statement on Chuck Norris’ Instagram account:
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, we know he was surrounded by his family and at peace.
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.
Although our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he led and the unforgettable moments we shared with him. The love and support he received from fans all over the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly grateful for it. To him you weren’t just fans, you were his friends.
We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you have sent him.
As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.
Thank you for loving him with us.
With love,
The Norris family.”
The six-time undefeated world professional middleweight karate champion, whose tough-guy image inspired satirical “facts” that made him an Internet phenomenon, was hospitalized in Hawaii on Thursday.
