Emmerdale's Sam Gannon has died aged 31.
The actor will be known to viewers for his portrayal of horse drawn carriage coachman Kev in the long-running soap. He joined the cast in 2019 and appeared in scenes alongside Emma Atkins, who plays Charity Dingle.
Sam had been visiting his family in California when he passed away. His sister, Amy Kelly, issued a heartfelt tribute to confirm the news - as Mirror Online reports.
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She 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.’’
Close friend Lewis Matthews added: "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." The actor's death is being investigated by police but is not being treated as suspicious.
His family started a JustGiving page to raise money to bring the actor back home to the UK. They said: "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. Sam was a true performer, and any extra money raised will be donated to a UK charity supporting youth theatre, a cause close to Sam’s heart." At the time of publishing, £6,376 of the £17,000 has been raised.
Amy also plans on setting up a foundation in her brother's name for those who "need extra support". People paid tribute to the actor on the donation page, with one friend saying: "The very best of men, always with a smile and a joke. Ready to help anyone, always kind and entertaining."
Another added: "I worked with Sam during our time at The York Dungeons and Duracell Bunny is the perfect way to describe him. Sending so much love to his family x".
One person wrote: "Sending love and sympathy to Sam’s family and friends. I never had the pleasure of meeting Sam, but my younger sister Wendy Patterson did."
Another added: "I directed Sam in a couple of projects. He was such a talented young actor and brought great joy to friends, and audiences alike. This a truly, sad loss. My thoughts are with his family. So sorry."
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