Warwick Davis and wife Samantha's tragic losses brought family closer together

previously described his late wife, as the most "ardent supporter" of his career. The couple also supported each other through shared tragedies.

She died as a result of a cardiac arrest following complications of essential surgery, it has now been confirmed. Following an inquest, Senior Coroner for Inner West London, Professor Fiona Wilcox, stated: "I am satisfied that the medical cause of death should be arrhythmic cardiac arrest and complications following left thoracotomies.

"In my view, the stress of everything together has precipitated this arrhythmic cardiac arrest in a lady who was not known to have any previous arrhythmia problems."

She added: "I have found nothing but excellent care being delivered to this lady and all of her complications were appropriately managed. It is frankly heartbreaking that the surgery itself was successful only for complications to arise and to cause her death."

Actress Samantha, who sadly passed away in March 2024 at the age of just 23, first locked eyes with Warwick on the set of the 1988 film Willow, when he was just 17, and she 16.

Warwick, now 55, was by then already a rising star, having found fame as Ewok Wicket in : Return of the Jedi. Samantha had previously worked on the iconic 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth alongside her legendary father,

They went on to enjoy plenty of happiness together and welcomed two children together: Annabelle, 28, and Harrison, 22. However, they also had their share of grief.

READ MORE:

Warwick was born with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), an extremely rare genetic form of dwarfism, which was inherited by their children. The actor has previously shared how the combination of both his and Samantha's conditions resulted in the deaths of two of their babies.

Their son Lloyd sadly died nine days after he was born, as his lungs were too small to support normal function. They also lost their son George when Samantha was 19 weeks pregnant. "Prior to Annabelle and Harrison, we had a baby boy, Lloyd, who inherited both our conditions… and that is something that proves fatal," he told Bear Grylls in a 2019 TV special.

"It's something that a baby won't survive. But Lloyd survived for nine days, but yeah he was beautiful. It was a tough time. And yeah, we had a stillborn too. That kind of stuff just makes you stronger."

Speaking about how the tragic loss bonded him, Warwick told People Magazine that he would "never get over" the death of his son in 1991. "I think it brings you closer together, or something like that, but it's an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone, it's devastating.

"You do learn to live with it, eventually, over time, you're able to better understand why it happened and can come to terms with it a bit more, but you never get over it." He added: "I think the losses shaped our family dynamic. We love Annabelle and Harrison all that more because they're here with us".

In a statement issued via their representatives from ahead of the inquest, Samantha's family spoke movingly about the "difficult next chapter" ahead. They said: "We know that the resilience and strength Sammy instilled in all of us will guide us through this difficult next chapter.

"Her love, support, and determination is a legacy we want to continue. 'Sammy's Helping Hands fund', which was set up in her honour, has already had a huge impact on young people in the dwarfism community and will continue to support families all over the UK moving forward.

"The last year and trying to come to terms with Samantha's death has been incredibly difficult."

Last year, star Warwick announced Samantha's passing , describing her as his "most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career", and stating that he had been left with a "huge hole" in his heart. Harrison and Annabelle also paid tribute, saying their late mother's "love and happiness carried us through our whole lives".

Samantha, who had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism, was known for her roles in Through the Dragon's Eye, ShortFellas and Honky Sausages. The couple dated for four years before marrying in June 1991.

In a touching birthday message, Samantha once praised her husband, saying, "You are the bravest, most caring and sensitive person I know," adding, "You amaze us all every day with your courage and strength. I love you to the moon and back. Always and forever yours."

Before her death, Warwick and Samantha enjoyed a night out together and beamed at the camera as they posed for a selfie. The actor shared the snap on his account as they both got dressed up for the date. He cheekily wrote in the caption: "A long overdue date night with my beautiful wife. She felt a bit overdressed for McDonald’s!"

The couple were sent messages of support from fans as one said: "You two are just amazing. Hope you had a great time." Another added: "Awwww. No better to have a date night than McDonald’s." Someone else commented: "An awesome couple."

Continuing his tribute following her devastating passing, the dad-of-two said: "With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything; it was like having a superpower. Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series, no Idiot Abroad Series Three. She was passionate about helping people without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear."

Back in February, Warwick paid tribute to his beloved late wife while receiving this year's BAFTA Fellowship - the British Academy's highest honour. Admitting that life had been "pretty tough" in the months since her death, Warwick shared: "She was always so supportive of my career, encouraging me to grab every opportunity with both hands.

"Since then, life has been pretty tough for me. Thanks to the support of our wonderful children I've been able to continue working and engaging in life."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and

READ MORE: