New Zealand actor Sam Neill dies at age 78 after cancer recovery, family says

New Zealand actor Sam Neill died suddenly at the age of 78 on Monday after recovering from cancer, his family announced.

Neill’s family was with him when he passed away.

“It is with great sadness that Sam Neill’s whānau share the news of his passing in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, July 13,” his family said in a statement shared on Neill’s Instagram page. he said.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected, but it is fortunate that Sam remains cancer-free,” his family added.

The Jurassic Park actor announced he was cancer-free in April after undergoing treatment for stage three blood cancer.

Reuters contributed to this report.