Sam Gannon, Emmerdale actor, has been declared dead at the tender age of 31.
His sister Amy Kelly and screen actor were visiting relatives in California when he died.
Sam died on Tuesday and his family and friends have started a JustGiving page in a bid to raise the £17,000 needed to repatriate his body from the US.
Sad news: Emmerdale actor Sam Gannon has died at the age of 31, with his sister Amy confirming he died in California while visiting family on Tuesday this week
Amy told the Yorkshire Post that Sam was an extraordinary character, and she called him a “whirlwind”.
“He was an incredibly caring person and a sensitive soul. It is clear from the tributes we have received that he touched the hearts of so many.’’
Lewis Matthews was Lewis Matthews’ friend. He said that Sam was a real life Duracell bunny with an almost endless supply energy and love.
Screen break: Musician and actor Sam was given his big television break when he was cast as a horse drawn carriage coachman in ITV soap Emmerdale in 2019
“He charmed audiences with his charm and wit, as well as his amazing musical talents.”
While police are investigating Sam’s circumstances, they have not yet considered his death suspicious.
MailOnline has reached out to Sam for additional information.
Sam is a musician and actor. He was the horse-drawn carriage coachman on Emmerdale’s ITV soap in 2019.
In a variety of scenes, he played Kev alongside Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins).
He also appeared alongside actor John Thomson in a short film titled Talking with Angels.
Sam also performed with a number of regional theatre groups, including Gobbledigook Theatre and The Northumberland Theatre Company.
Sincere: Many tributes have been posted to the JustGiving page created by Sam’s families
His family are aiming to raise the £17,000 needed to repatriate Sam’s body from California back to the UK. More than £6,300 had been raised at the time of writing.
A statement on the JustGiving page stated: ‘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 JustGiving page received many tributes to the actor, including Olwen May’s: “I directed Sam in several projects. His talent as a young actor was a great source of joy for his friends and fans. This is truly a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. I am so sorry.
One person said: “So sorry to hear about Sam. I attended college with him, and he was the most wonderful person. He is not in my thoughts and prayers.
A former colleague said, “Rest in Peace Sam. He was a wonderful man with many great memories of Sheffield. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
While someone else shared: ‘I’m so saddened to hear about this. Sam was a charming and warm person, who I met at Fringe Festival. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.