New Zealand actor Sam Neill dies at age 78 after cancer recovery, family says

New Zealand actor Sam Neill died suddenly at age 78 on Monday after he recovered from cancer, his family announced.

Neill was surrounded by family when he passed away.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” his family said in a statement shared on Neill’s Instagram page.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” his family added.

The Jurassic Park actor announced in April he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage-three blood cancer.

Reuters contributed to this report.