Actor Sam Gannon dies at 31 while visiting family in California

English actor Sam Gannon, 31, died after being struck by a rare illness while visiting relatives in California. He was known for playing the horse‑drawn carriage coachman Kev in the ITV soap *Emmerdale* and had appeared alongside Emma Atkins in two 2019 episodes. Gannon grew up in Brayton, North Yorkshire, and performed with the Northumberland Theatre Company before focusing on screen work.

His mother, Angela Gannon, said the illness resurfaced a childhood heart condition in the months before his death. A crowdfunding appeal was launched to fund the transport of his remains to the United Kingdom. The appeal’s organizer, Jonathan Kelly, said any surplus would be donated to a UK youth‑theatre charity, a cause close to Sam’s heart. His funeral was held at York Minster in October 2022, with family members requesting attendees wear bright colours in his memory. His sister Amy is planning a foundation in his name to support people facing similar health challenges.