New details in Val Kilmer's cause of death revealed days after Top Gun icon's passing aged 65

Importance Score: 52 / 100 🔵


Val Kilmer’s Cause of Death: Pneumonia and Recurrent Cancer Revealed

New details surrounding the cause of death of Val Kilmer have emerged, nine days after the celebrated actor passed away at the age of 65. The Top Gun and Batman icon succumbed to pneumonia on April 1st, according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ. This confirmation follows his daughter’s earlier statement about the lung infection being the primary factor in his demise.

Underlying Health Issues Detailed in Death Certificate

The official death certificate, issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Health, lists several underlying conditions contributing to Kilmer’s death. These include:

  • Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
  • Chronic respiratory failure
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as laryngeal cancer, affects the flat cells lining the throat, encompassing the larynx and pharynx.

Recurrence of Throat Cancer

Kilmer had openly fought throat cancer over a decade prior, undergoing emergency tracheotomies that permanently impacted his speech. Though the performer declared himself cancer-free in 2020, the death certificate indicates a recurrence of the disease as a contributing factor.

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 pneumonia in Los Angeles.

Val Kilmer’s Illustrious Career and Health Battles

The celebrated screen star gained fame for his role as Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun and as Batman/Bruce Wayne in 1995’s Batman Forever. Despite enduring permanent voice impairment from his tracheotomy, Kilmer made a notable return to the screen in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, reprising his iconic role alongside Tom Cruise. This marked his final film appearance.

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 cancer, Kilmer underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a tracheostomy—a surgical procedure creating an opening in the neck to assist breathing. This latter procedure unfortunately resulted in lasting damage to his vocal cords, permanently altering his speaking voice.

In 2020, Kilmer announced he had been cancer-free for four years.

Documenting His Journey in ‘Val’

In the Amazon Prime documentary “Val,” Kilmer openly discussed navigating life with the aftermath of throat cancer, including the necessity of using a voice box device to communicate through the artificial opening in his throat.

“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 throat cancer.

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 pneumonia-related death, Mercedes remained hopeful. She highlighted the positive aspects of family and community support during challenging times.

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.


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