Russell Crowe heartbroken as beloved family dog dies in his arms two years after dad's death

Russell Crowe has announced the tragic death of his beloved puppy Louis on the second anniversary of his father's passing.

The 58-year-old Gladiator star took to Twitter on Thursday to share a picture of the 16-month-old Papillon as he penned a heartbreaking tribute to his "brave" dog.

"This is Louis the Papillion. 16 months old. Tiny, cheeky, brave. He won my heart.

"Unfortunately today, on the second anniversary of my fathers passing, Louis was hit by a truck," Russell wrote.

He explained: "We tried to get him to the vet, but he died in my arms while I was telling him how much we loved him."

Russell's fans and famous friends rushed to offer their condolences.

Russell Crowe has paid tribute to his four-legged friend (Twitter)

He said his dog died in his arms (Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Actor Vincent D'Onofrio commented: "So sorry to hear this Russel. My heart goes out to you."

Singer Janet Devlin, who recently teamed up with Russell to open a series of his concerts, tweeted: "My condolences he was such a special little guy! Sending all my love x."

"So sorry mate. Sending love," added musician Ben Lee.

One fan tweeted: "A sudden death but full of your love in his heart. Beautiful little furry man," while another commented: "I'm so sorry for your loss. He's beautiful. How heartbreaking. He loved you too!"

The actor has previously shared some adorable snaps of Louis (Twitter)

Russell's dog sadly died on the two-year anniversary of the death of his 85-year-old father John Alexander Crowe.

Prior to his death, the pair had been isolating together during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Russell revealing he wanted to be close to his parents during the pandemic.

Russell announced the sad news of his father's death in a series of Twitter posts and said he died on a Qantas flight as the crew battled to save his life.

According to a passenger on the domestic flight from Sydney to Coffs Harbour, staff and a doctor on board tried to resuscitate the 85-year-old.

Russell's dad died two years ago today (WireImage)

The actor had been isolating with his parents prior to the death (Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Taking to Twitter, Russell said: "I arrived back in the bush last night. Today, although the sun is shining and the torrential rain has abated, this date will forever be tinged with sadness.

"My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away.

"I'm posting this because I know there are people all over the world who's heart he touched and who's ribs he tickled with his sparkly eyes and his cheeky attitude to everyone, and everything, and this is probably as efficient a method as any to pass on the news."

He continued: "John Alexander Crowe 13th March 1936- 30th March 2021 Born in Christchurch, New Zealand.

"Passed away in Coffs Harbour, NSW, his home for the last 25 years. Rest In Peace."

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