Tarzan star Ron Ely dies aged 86 after tragic life that saw son stab wife to death

Star of hit TV show Tarzan, Ron Ely, has died aged 86

Star of hit TV show Tarzan, Ron Ely, has died aged 86.

The actor, best known for his starring role in the jungle-based series of the '60s, was confirmed to have daughter by his daughter, Kirsten. She revealed her dad had passed away peacefully on September 29. His death comes five years after his son and wife's deaths.

Taking to Instagram, daughter Kirsten penned an emotional tribute, which read: "The world has lost one of the greatest men it has ever known - and I have lost my dad. My father was someone that people called a hero. He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader. He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went."

She continued to praise the unique impact her dad had on others, before saying there was "something truly magical" about him. The heartfelt tribute added: "My father was my world - and what an incredible world he created. He was strong and protective. He was brilliant and ridiculously funny. He was stoic and sensitive. He was dynamic and powerful. He was my role model and inspiration. He was humble and inherently received respect - the respect he so deserved."

Alongside the touching words, Kirsten shared a number of images of the pair from years gone by, as she further explained his "unending dedication to his family and friends".

She concluded: "My greatest comfort is knowing that my dad is with my momma and my brother. It is also my greatest sadness because I miss them all so much that it’s etched into my soul. I will proudly carry all of my favorite pieces of them - lovingly cemented into my heart - until we all meet again."

The death of Ron comes five years after the family were struck by a devastating tragedy. In 2019, the Tarzan actor's wife was stabbed to death by the couple's son, according to police.

Valerie Lundeen Ely, 62, was killed in the stabbing which unfolded at her home in Hope Ranch, California. The police subsequently shot Cameron, 30, dead at the scene. Ron's wife was found dead with multiple stab wounds which she sustained in the attack.

Valerie and Ron also shared another daughter, Kaitland.

According to TMZ, Cameron was reportedly suffering from the early stages of CTE. A year after the deaths, Ron filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents which were obtained by People at the time, 'the lawsuit claims that Cameron was trying to surrender to police before they shot him more than 20 times' and that officers 'neglected to give timely medical assistance to Valerie.'

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