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Official Cause of Death Revealed for Val Kilmer
The confirmed cause of death for celebrated actor Val Kilmer has been released. Known for his iconic roles in films like “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” Kilmer’s passing has prompted tributes from colleagues and fans alike. According to an official death certificate, the primary factor in his death was pneumonia.
Details from the Death Certificate
Obtained by TMZ on Thursday, April 10th, and issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Health, the death certificate specifies pneumonia as the immediate cause of death for Val Kilmer. The document also lists several underlying health conditions that contributed to his passing.
These underlying causes include acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, chronic respiratory failure, and squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue. Malnutrition and a tracheocutaneous fistula, a known complication related to tracheostomy procedures, were also noted as contributing factors in the official report. Kilmer was 65 years old at the time of his death.
Cremation and Initial Reports
Reports indicate that Val Kilmer was cremated on Monday, April 7th, approximately one week following his death. Earlier reports had suggested pneumonia as the cause of death. The New York Times previously cited an April 1st statement from Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirming the actor’s death due to pneumonia.
Mercedes Kilmer and his son Jack, whom he shared with former wife Joanne Whalley, survive the actor.
Family Statement and Legacy
Following initial news reports, Kilmer’s family issued a formal statement acknowledging the outpouring of support and celebrating his enduring legacy. Speaking to People magazine, the family expressed gratitude for the tributes, stating, “Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory. We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
Val Kilmer’s Battle with Cancer and Career Highlights
Val Kilmer had publicly disclosed his diagnosis of throat cancer in 2015. A 2021 documentary titled “Val” offered an introspective look into his life and health journey, depicting his use of a breathing tube. Throughout his extensive career in Hollywood, Kilmer achieved widespread recognition. His most memorable roles include Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” his portrayal of Jim Morrison in the 1991 film “The Doors,” and his depiction of Batman in 1995’s “Batman Forever.”
Tributes from Costars
Following the news of Val Kilmer‘s death, numerous costars publicly shared tributes and fond recollections of the actor. Tom Cruise, 62, speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 3rd, paid homage to his former “Top Gun” colleague. “I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer, for a moment,” Cruise stated, adding, “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work.”
Drew Barrymore’s Remembrance
Drew Barrymore also recounted her experience working with Val Kilmer on “Batman Forever.” On The Drew Barrymore Show, she shared memories of director Joel Schumacher and Kilmer, noting, “it was he and Val Kilmer that pulled me into Batman Forever.” Barrymore fondly remembered Kilmer’s supportive demeanor, stating, “Val Kilmer was so nice to me. He was so nurturing and kind and safe, which was a very important thing for me.”
Barrymore further elaborated on the positive environment Kilmer fostered, expressing, “I was like, ‘Nobody wants anything from me, they want things for me,’ which I thought was really interesting.”