Chuck Norris Dead a Day After He Was Hospitalized for a Medical Emergency While Training as His Family Calls His Passing ‘Sudden’
Chuck Norris, the celebrated martial artist and actor, known for Walker, Texas Ranger, has passed away at 86. His family confirmed the news on social media. Norris’s death comes just a week after he posted a martial arts video on Instagram, in which he hit a sparring partner with a combo, before saying to the camera, “I don’t age, I level up.”
But what happened to Norris? How did he pass away? Has a cause of death been revealed? Here’s everything we know about the tragic news.
How Did Chuck Norris Die & What Was His Cause of Death?
Norris passed away at 86, just a day after TMZ reported he had been hospitalized after a medical emergency. At the time, the outlet said he was conscious and in “good spirits.” No details regarding the nature of the medical emergency were released before his passing was announced, though TMZ reported that, “Whatever happened must have occurred quickly, because we’re told on Wednesday he was training on the island … a friend of Chuck’s was on the phone with him, and we’re told Chuck was in good spirits and cracking jokes.”
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” his family posted on social media. “While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family. He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.”
On his last Instagram post, just a week ago, Norris wrote, “I’m 86 today!” adding, “Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young. I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
Norris rose to fame as a martial artist who starred opposite Bruce Lee in 1972’s The Way of the Dragon. He then went on to star in Missing in Action in 1984 and its sequels, Firewalker in 1986, and Sidekicks in 1992. He also starred in the 1986 film The Delta Force, the 1990 sequel Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection, and 1991’s The Hitman.
Perhaps his most well-known role was that of Cordell Walker in the Walker, Texas Ranger action crime series, which aired on CBS from 1993 to 2001. In the last few years, Norris had been vocally supportive of the Trump administration, drawing backlash from some of his fans.
Norris held black belts in karate, taekwondo, tang soo do, Brazilian jiu jitsu, judo, and the martial arts discipline he founded, chun kuk do.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him,” the family also said in its statement. “The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it.”
