Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon has died at the age of 31. His sister said the "sensitive soul" died suddenly in the USA.
Sam, who played Kev in the ITV soap, was staying with family in California, the Mirror reports. His sister Amy Kelly confirmed the news and said: "Sam was a whirlwind, a unique character to say the least.
"He genuinely cared for others and was a very sensitive soul. It is clear from the tributes we have received that he touched the hearts of so many.’’
The actor's death is being investigated by police but is not being treated as suspicious. Sam had the role of horse-drawn carriage coachman Kev in Emmerdale back in 2019, starring in scenes alongside Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle.
Close friend Lewis Matthews said: "Sam was a ‘real life Duracell bunny' with a seemingly endless supply of energy and love. He delighted audiences with his charm, wit and his wonderful musical abilities."
Other tributes remembered Sam as a "talented young actor who brought great joy to friends and audiences alike".
Sam's family has launched a JustGiving page to raise money to bring the actor back home to the UK. They wrote: "Due to the recent and sudden passing of Sam. All donations will be put towards the repatriation of his body from the US and his funeral.
"We are putting the target as £17,000 as we do not yet know the actual cost." So far £6,700 has been raised.
Amy also plans on setting up a foundation in her brother's name for those who "need extra support".
