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Retired strongman competitor Eddie Hall said he’s “gutted” over the passing of actor and martial arts master Chuck Norris, who died Thursday morning in Hawaii at the age of 86.
Hall, who won the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition, explained that he had recently started speaking with Norris through social media.
“Gutted about this news today!! @chucknorris Absolute legend of a man, we just started to message each other a little on here and was hoping to meet him someday,” Hall wrote, including a past photo of Norris.
“He just turned 86 and looked fantastic! Makes you cherish your loved ones a bit harder when stuff like this happens 💔 stay safe out there people 🙏. Big Love The Beast™️.”
Norris’ family shared the news of the actor’s passing in an Instagram post Friday, which mentioned he had a recent hospitalization.
A cause of death was not given.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family statement said.
“We know many of you had heard about his recent hospitalization, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way. As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time.”
TMZ reported Wednesday that Norris was hospitalized in Hawaii due to an unspecified medical emergency that took place on the island of Kauai, and that he was in good spirits.
Earlier this month, Norris opened up about his “good health” in an Instagram post celebrating his 86th birthday on March 10.
“I don’t age. I level up,” Norris wrote, including a video of him working out. “I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.
“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.”
Norris is remembered from the films “The Delta Force” and “Missing in Action” in the 1980s, as well as his character Cordell Walker in the CBS TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger” in the 1990s.
Norris survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, whom he married in 1998 after meeting on the set of “Walker, Texas Ranger, and his children.
English (US)