Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Zara Woodcock & Ryan Paton

ITV Emmerdale's Sam Gannon dies suddenly aged 31 while travelling

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.

READ MORE: Loose Women's Carol McGiffin shows off 'new look' with 'face full of fillers'

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."

Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here

READ NEXT

Gogglebox star Stephen Webb welcomes new addition to family

Lorraine viewers question Louise Redknapp's 'out of touch' style advice

DVLA asks older drivers to renew their licence immediately

Benidorm star looks completely different as she shares comparison picture

ITV Emmerdale viewers spot problem as Leyla Harding's 'death warrant signed'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.