Chuck Norris Cause of Death & Health Issues: What's Known So Far
Chuck Norris is dead. What is known about the cause of death and health issues for the Walker, Texas Ranger star?
According to ABC 7, the Norris family is keeping his cause of death private. "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," part of the family's statement read, according to ABC 7.
What is known about Norris's health issues before he died? He was recently hospitalized. Norris had appeared to be in good health and spirits before his death. “I don’t age. I level up,” he said in a video on Instagram. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.” That was on March 10, just 10 days before he died. It shows him doing martial arts.
He declared then that he was in good health, writing, "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."
Chuck Norris Died the Day After a Sudden Hospitalization in Hawaii, But His Cause of Death Is Not Clear
(Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The death of the beloved actor came just hours after TMZ reported that he was suddenly hospitalized in Hawaii.
TMZ reported that Norris, 86, suffered a "medical emergency," but the nature of it was not clear. In fact, the earliest report had indicated that Norris was in "good spirits."
"Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... some medical emergency occurred in the last 24 hours on the island of Kauai that landed Chuck in the hospital. We do not know the nature of the emergency; however, we are told Chuck is in good spirits," TMZ reported on March 19. The news of Norris's death broke on March 20.
Chuck Norris Was Training on the Hawaiian Island When He Was Stricken, Reports Say
TMZ also reported on March 19 that the medical emergency appeared to have come out of the blue. "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," the website wrote.
Norris owns a home on the island.
"Chuck Norris, 86, was reportedly hospitalized at Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue after a medical emergency on Kauai this week. Norris owns a home on the island’s North Shore," Best of Hawaii reported. "If something serious happens on Kauai, there is one main hospital for acute care, and higher-level treatment can mean transfer off-island."
Page Six reported that Norris was "rushed" to the hospital.