The heartbroken family, friends and colleagues of Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon have paid tribute following his sudden death aged 31.
His sister Amy Kelly confirmed the sad news and said he had died while visiting family in California on Tuesday, August 2. Sam, who grew up in Brayton, has been described as generous and kind by those who knew and loved him.
In touching tributes to the former Brayton High School student many talked about the positive impact he has had on their lives and the mark he has left on the world. Northumberland Theatre Company, where Sam starred in shows such as Rumpelstiltskin, 4Thoughts and The Snow Queen, said they were "deeply saddened" to hear of his passing.
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In a statement on Facebook, it said Sam delighted audiences "with his charm, wit and wonderful musical abilities". The tribute reads: "Sam was described by many as being like a human Duracell bunny, with limitless energy, always running around the rehearsal room and almost having too many creative ideas to keep locked up in his brain.
"In short, Sam could be a handful at times! But he was always fantastic as soon as you got him on that stage.
"He has also been described as a genuinely lovely lad, a wonderful human and a good friend to many. All of us will miss you a great deal Sam. Safe travels my friend and sleep well, All our love, Louis and the NTC Team."
Sam appeared in two episodes of the ITV soap as Kev, a horse-drawn carriage coachman, back in 2019, and shared the screen with Charity Dingle star Emma Atkins. Actor colleagues who trained with Sam have sent their condolences to his family and shared heartwarming anecdotes.
Alex Papachristou wrote: "I had the honour of knowing and training with Sam as a teenager, he was just brilliant! A human being and actor who was an inspiration to be around- generous, witty, very silly, so funny and so kind!
"I always admired that he spent his life doing exactly what he loved doing! Thanks for the lovely memories Sam of our time spent on stage at the Harman Academy! My love and condolences to all his family."
Mandy Newby said: "Sadly a wonderful young actor, Sam Gannon, has left us, unexpectedly and far too soon. I spent a wonderful summer with him and all the other cast members of Theatre Mill's first production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
"Sam was a ball of energy with a wicked, rascally sense of humour and fun. But to me and other 'older' cast members he also knew how to be a kind, gentle and respectful soul. The posts I've read from all his friends and colleagues over the past two days show me Sam left his mark on the world in the too short time he had in it."
Ricky Freeman, who went to the Harman Academy Stage School with Sam, said: "R.I.P Sam Gannon. A talented actor and an inspiration to many."
Colleague and friend Pete Williamson said Sam helped him "become who I am as a performer". Paying tribute to him, he wrote: "To say I'm heartbroken doesn't even come close.
"Today my dear friend, this bright, warm, kind, fun, energetic bundle of chaos, sadly passed away. I owe this man so much gratitude.
"He's been one of my closest friends for my entire career as an actor. From day one he inspired me, encouraged me, supported me, and helped me become who I am as a performer. As a person he was always the brightest light in the room."
He added: "He made everyone laugh and smile, and feel the joy of being around him at all times. Even in his most difficult times he was a beacon of love and light.
"I can't believe he has gone. I spoke to him only yesterday. Just a few hours before. I'm gonna miss you Sam. I hope you know how much you are loved. Take it easy, buddy."
Sam's death is currently being investigated by police, but is not being treated as suspicious. A fundraiser with a target of £17,000 has been set up to bring him home to be laid to rest.
More than £6,000 have so far been donated. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
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