Rik's wife said that before the comic actor passed away, he 'suffered an acute cardiac event' after his morning run on June 9.
- Jun 13, 2014
AceShowbiz - Following news about Rik Mayall's death, his wife Barbara Robbins revealed that his husband suffered an "acute cardiac event" after he returned from a morning jog on June 9. Her comment was released after the West London Coroner's Office stated that Rik's post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and further tests were required.
Barbara said in a statement, "We now know that our darling Rik suffered an 'acute cardiac event' at our home around midday on June 9th. He had just returned from his usual run and many people had seen him that morning."
She was thankful for the messages of support from public and the press, saying, "For their discretion at this time and for all the wonderful coverage that you have given Rik - it would have made him very happy. We always knew that Rik was well loved but we are all overwhelmed by so many joining us in our grief."
Rik's daughter Bonnie paid a tribute to her father on Facebook, posting, "My dad was loved not only by my family, but by many many others. We will never forget him and neither will the world. RIP to the man, the myth, the legend. My idol now and forever. We love you daddy."
Tributes have flooded in after Rik's death. Fellow star Ben Elton said that Rik changed his life utterly when Rik asked Ben to co-write "The Young Ones" with him. Ben added, "He always made me cry with laughter, now he's just made me cry." Dawn French, Rik's fellow Comic Strip member, said, "I will miss him enormously."
Nigel Planer, Rik's co-star in "The Young Ones", said he was "very, very sad and upset that we've lost Rik, who was inspirational, bonkers, and a great life force". Additionally, Stephen Fry praised Rik as "an authentic comedy genius and a prince among men."
