Val Kilmer's heartbroken family break silence on actor's death with new statement

heartbroken family have released an emotional statement as they broke their silence on the

In a statement, as shared on , his two kids, and Jack, thanked those who honoured their 'extraordinary father's memory'. They said: "We are so proud of him and honoured to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately."

His daughter Mercedes previously told he died of pneumonia on April 1 at a Los Angeles Hospital. The Top Gun star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, she said. The star had a decade-long battle with the disease before overcoming the illness in 2016.

Following his cancer diagnosis, Kilmer underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He also had a tracheostomy, which is a procedure to create an artificial hole in this neck, in order to help him breathe.

- a class of nerve damage that can cause weakness and numbness.

Tributes poured in as family, friends and fans mourned the loss of the legendary actor.

Josh Brolin was one of the stars to lead tributes to Kilmer. In a message posted online, he wrote: "See ya, pal. I'm going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There's not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts."

"RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon," actor Josh Gad shared. Val's Top Gun co-star, Tom Cruise, also paid tribute to the late star.

took to the stage at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for CinemaCon to honour his friend. He said per : "I'd like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer.

"I can't tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick.

"I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him. I wish you well on the next journey."

Val was known for his iconic role as Iceman in the 1986 hit, Top Gun. He also starred in Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995, while also famously playing musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors. He stayed away from acting before his death, with his last role being a cameo in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.

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