Actress and model Charlbi Dean was 'happy and healthy' in the days leading up to her tragic death, claims her boxing trainer, Gary Stark Jr.
Charlbi was just 32-years old when she passed away from an undisclosed sudden illness in a New York City hospital on Monday, according to the star's representatives.
The rising South African star, best known for her portrayal of Synoide in DC's Black Lightning, was last seen by former professional boxer Stark in Lower Manhattan's Gotham boxing gym three days before she died.
He recalled to the US Sun : "She was perfect, she was awesome. I didn't see anything that she might have had. She was in perfect health and was just happy, smiling, and goofing around.
"Boxing is such a mental and physical workout and she was completely on point. I'm devastated right now, it just doesn't feel real."
Stark added that he was due to meet Charlbi on the day she died for a 1-on-1 session, but she cancelled at short notice uncharacteristically.
He continued: "When I asked what happened [the owner of the gym] said he didn't know. But it seemed strange. We were meant to train again on Wednesday at 10am. I just can't believe she's gone."
Charlbi recently led the cast of the award-winning film Triangle of Sadness.
Her other credits, meanwhile, include roles in action film Death Race 3: Inferno (2013), horror project Don't Sleep (2017) and drama film An Interview with God (2018).
She had made her acting debut in the South African film Spud (2010) and later returned in its 2013 sequel.
It's understood that she is survived by her fiancé Luke Volker, whom she had announced her engagement to in a post on Instagram which she uploaded in April this year.
Tributes have been paid to Charlbi, with playwright Jeremy O'Harris tweeting: "[She] was such an exciting performer to me after seeing her in Triangle of Sadness.
"Her work had a vulnerability and intellect a lesser actor would have denied the character. A true talent and sending love to her family. RIP".
Whilst reporter Jacob Stolworthy responded to the news: "Charlbi Dean was a genuinely lovely person whose talent and warmth the world was about to discover."
Makeup artist Teri Tomsett said: "RIP you beautiful, talented girl. It was such an honour to have met you, let alone the priviledge of working with you. You inspired so many".
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