The brother of Sir Mark Rylance has been killed in a horrific cycling crash.
Wine expert Jonathan Waters was hit by a vehicle when cycling in the city of Oakland last week, sustaining severe head injuries from the incident.
The local fire department rushed to the scene, where the Oscar-winner's brother received immediate treatment, but sadly Jonathan died the following morning in hospital.
Jonathan - who was known as 'Johnno' by his loved ones - was 60-years-old at the time of his death.
His death marks another family tragedy for his actor brother, who lost one of his stepdaughters in 2012.
Sir Mark confirmed his brother's passing when explaining why he would be pulling out of performing in the West End production of Jerusalem over the weekend.
The star said: "I am so sorry to tell you that on the 28th of May my dear brother Jonathan Waters was knocked from his bicycle and tragically died of his injuries.
"In order to attend his funeral in California, I unfortunately have to miss three performances of Jerusalem over Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th June.
"As I have no understudy to play the role Rooster Johnny Byron, sadly these performances have been cancelled.
He added: "Sonia Friedman Productions, together with Nimax, are arranging additional performances at the end of the scheduled run to try and accommodate everyone who will be affected.
"I hope you understand my need to grieve my beloved brother and thank you for your support at this time. I hope you will be able to attend another performance of Jerusalem."
Jonathan, who also had a sister named Susannah, was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of wines, after becoming an established sommelier at one of California's best-loved restaurants.
His death is yet another family tragedy for Mark to endure, after losing one of his two stepdaughters in 2012.
Filmmaker Natasha van Kampen was just 28 when she died suddenly due to a a fatal brain haemorrhage when travelling from New York to London in 2012.
Following her tragic death, Mark quit his role in Danny Boyle's opening Olympic ceremony the same year.
The Shakespearean actor had been due to recite verses from The Tempest during what went on to be one of the most-lauded opening ceremonies of all time.
