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Val Kilmer’s Cause of Death: Pneumonia and Recurrent Cancer Revealed
New details surrounding the
Underlying Health Issues Detailed in Death Certificate
The official
- Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
- Chronic respiratory failure
Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue
Recurrence of Throat Cancer
Kilmer had openly fought
Additional Contributing Factors
Further factors contributing to Kilmer’s passing included malnutrition and a tracheocutaneous fistula. A tracheocutaneous fistula is an abnormal passage between the trachea and the skin, often arising after the removal of a tracheostomy tube.

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Cremation and Family Statement
The actor’s remains have been cremated. Following his death, Kilmer’s family released a statement via People magazine, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and remembrance for their “extraordinary father.”
“We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated,” shared his children, Mercedes and Jack, whom he had with ex-wife Joanne Whalley. “At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
Mercedes had previously confirmed to the New York Times that her father’s death was due to
Val Kilmer’s Illustrious Career and Health Battles
The celebrated screen star gained fame for his role as Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster
Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer also famously portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 biopic The Doors.
Treatments and Lasting Impact of Cancer
To combat his
In 2020, Kilmer announced he had been
Documenting His Journey in ‘Val’
In the Amazon Prime documentary “Val,” Kilmer openly discussed navigating life with the aftermath of
“I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole,” he explained in the documentary.
A voice box, typically battery-powered, generates sound to enable speech for individuals with
Kilmer, who also relied on a feeding tube for meals, detailed further daily challenges, noting, “You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Family and Personal Life
Val’s son provided voice-over narration for the “Val” documentary, using words penned by Val himself.
Val and his daughter, Mercedes, made their last public appearance together at the annual Thespians Go Hollywood Gala in 2019.
Throughout his life, Kilmer prioritized his relationship with his children amidst his demanding career and health issues. He had previously mentioned turning down opportunities with prominent directors to focus on his family and marriage.
In 2020, he expressed his deep affection for his children, stating, “I am just madly, wildly entertained by them. My only gripe is that I never see them enough…”
Mercedes Kilmer on Her Father’s Legacy
Speaking about her father’s health journey before his
Mercedes also shared insights into growing up in the spotlight and her experiences navigating her parents’ fame. She recalled a time when she and her father were hospitalized simultaneously, creating a unique shared experience.
She described her father in 2020 as a “good friend” and “a smart and creative person” she enjoyed spending time with, regardless of their familial connection.
On-Screen Collaboration and Learning from Her Father
Mercedes acted alongside her father in the film “Paydirt” in 2020, a role he suggested she would be well-suited for. She reflected on how this experience enriched her understanding of acting, especially in working with performers with different abilities.
Mercedes elaborated on learning from her father’s resourceful communication methods despite his speech limitations, gaining valuable insights into acting beyond just vocal delivery.
Mercedes also served as an associate producer for the “Val” documentary, released in 2021. She described the film as deeply moving and a candid portrayal of her father, whom she knew intimately.