Bill Paxton, Age 61, Suffers Fatal Stroke Following Heart Surgery

Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt in Twister Movie CLIP – We Got Cows (1996) HD

Legendary actor Bill Paxton died Saturday, February 25, 2017 of a fatal stroke follow heart surgery. Late Sunday night the hospital and city location of Paxton’s death was not released.

Paxton had rheumatic fever when he was 13-years-old, and there is speculation that his heart surgery was related to correction of valvular heart disease or rheumatic heart disease, which can be a result of rheumatic fever.

Bill Paxton’s rep said in a press release, “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker. Bill’s passion for the arts was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth and tireless energy were undeniable. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their adored husband and father.”

Paxton is survived by two children, James and Lydia, and his wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury. Paxton was previously married to Canadian actress Kelly Rowan.

In response to his death, nearly 200 storm chasers inspired by his performance in the 1996 film Twister paid tribute to Paxton by spelling out his initials “BP” using GPS coordinates on a map near Dodge City, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Wichita Falls — the heart of Tornado Alley.

Bill Paxton starred in The Terminator (1984), Weird Science (1985), Aliens (1986), Predator 2 (1990), Tombstone (1993), True Lies (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Twister (1996), and Titanic (1997).

Apollo 13 Movie CLIP – Suiting Up (1995) HD.

Apollo 13 Movie CLIP – Go for Launch (1995) HD.

Get updates from The Cardinal ALL NEWS FEEDS on Facebook. Just ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page (become a fan of our page). The updates cover all posts and sub-category posts from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com. You can also limit feeds to specific categories. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …

Apollo 13 costars Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon, as well as longtime friends Rob Lowe and Titanic director James Cameron paid tribute to the actor on Sunday.