Sam Gannon dead: Emmerdale star dies suddenly at 31 while travelling in California.
Emmerdale star Sam Gannon has died aged 31.
The actor, who was known for playing Kev in the long-running series, was staying with family in California when he passed away. Sam’s 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.’’
Close pal 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.”
Sam Gannon Cause of Death
The actor’s death is being investigated by police but is not being treated as suspicious. He had the role of horse-drawn carriage coachman Kev in Emmerdale back in 2019. Sam starred on the show alongside Emma Atkins – who plays Charity Dingle.
His family started a JustGiving page to raise money to bring the actor back home to the UK.
“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,” they wrote.
Sam Gannon Death Autopsy Report
“We are putting the target as £17,000 as we do not yet know the actual cost. Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon has died at the age of 31. The screen star was visiting family in California at the time of his death, with his sister Amy Kelly confirming the sad news.
Sam died on Tuesday and his family and friends have started a JustGiving page in a bid to raise the £17,000 needed to repatriate his body from the US.
‘He delighted audiences with his charm, wit and his wonderful musical abilities.’ The circumstances of Sam’s death are being investigated by police but his death is not being treated as suspicious. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Sam for further comment.
Musician and actor Sam was given his big television break when he was cast as a horse drawn carriage coachman in ITV soap Emmerdale in 2019.
He played the character of Kev and appeared alongside Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) in a number of scenes.
He also appeared alongside actor John Thomson in a short film titled Talking with Angels.
Sam also performed with a number of regional theatre groups, including Gobbledigook Theatre and The Northumberland Theatre Company.