Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon dies aged 31

Virgin Radio

7 Aug 2022, 21:25

Former Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon has died while travelling to the US, aged 31.

Details of his passing are unknown and police are investigating, but it is not thought to be suspicious. His mother told the BBC that her son had a heart condition from birth which had "reared its ugly head" in recent months.

Sam was staying with family in California when he passed away. His sister, Amy Kelly, has paid tribute to him, describing her brother as a "unique character".

"He genuinely cared for others and was a very sensitive soul," she said. "It is clear from the tributes we have received that he touched the hearts of so many.''

In 2019, Sam had the role of horse-drawn carriage coachman Kev in the Yorkshire based soap, he also appeared in the TV series Tales of Bacon, as well as the film Babes with Blades.

The Gannon family have set up a JustGiving page to help retrieve his body from America and it has already received £8,850 towards a £17,000 target.

"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," they wrote on the page.

"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."

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio are with Sam's family and friends during this difficult time.