The family of Cameron Boyce confirmed to news outlets that he officially died of a seizure caused by epilepsy.
“Cameron’s tragic passing was due to a seizure as a result of an ongoing medical condition, and that condition was epilepsy,” a spokesperson for the family told E! News on July 9.
“We are still trying to navigate our way through this extremely heart-wrenching time, and continue to ask for privacy so that the family, and all who knew and loved him can grieve his loss and make arrangements for his funeral—which in and of itself, is agonizing,” the family also said.
Cameron Boyce attends The Thirst Project's 9th Annual Thirst Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on April 21, 2018. (John Sciulli/Getty Images for Thirst Project)
Boyce died Saturday at his California home, and a family spokesperson later told ABC News that he died “in his sleep due to a seizure” and was “a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.” It didn’t mention epilepsy, but a report from TMZ said he had epilepsy without citing his family as a source.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner said Boyce’s “cause of death was deferred pending further investigation,” People magazine reported.
Cameron Boyce attends LA Family Housing Annual LAFH Awards And Fundraiser Celebration at The Lot in West Hollywood, on April 25, 2019. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
In a previous statement, Boyce’s family expressed their sorrow after the actor died at age 20.
“The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him,” said his family. “We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
The actor’s father, Victor, offered a few words in the wake of his son’s death.
“I’m overwhelmed with the love and support our family has received,” he tweeted on Monday. “It really does help to ease the pain of this nightmare I can’t wake up from. I can’t thank you guys enough.”
Boyce appeared in a number of Disney shows but also appeared in “Grown Ups” and “Grown Ups 2” alongside Adam Sandler.
“Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around,” Sandler wrote on Twitter Sunday “Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people run the risk of “Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP),” adding that “most, but not all, cases of SUDEP occur during or immediately after a seizure. The exact cause is not known.”
Risk factors include frequent or uncontrolled seizures, seizures that start at a young age, many years living with epilepsy, missed medicine doses, and more, the agency says.
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
