Ron Ely, the actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC show Tarzan, has died. He was 86-years-old. While Ely passed away on September 29, 2024, the actor’s daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely confirmed the actor's death to Associated Press on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The Tarzan star reportedly died at his home in Los Alamos, California, five years after the family tragedy that claimed the lives of his wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely and son, Cameron Ely.
In an instagram post, Kirsten Casale Ely paid tribute to her late father. Part of the post dated October 22 said:
“My father’s life story was one of relentless perserverence, unending dedication to his family and friends, courage to do what was right, and willing sacrifice to facilitate the dreams of those he loved.”
Kirsten noted she takes comfort in knowing her father has reunited with her late mom and brother, who died in 2019. She added:
“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 actor's 62-year-old wife, Valerie, was stabbed to death inside their Santa Barbara home in 2019 by their 30-year-old son Cameron Ely, who was later shot and killed by deputies.
All about Ron Ely's family as the Tarzan star passes away
Ron Ely married Valerie, a former beauty pageant contender in 1984. According to Miami News, Valerie Ely was a former flight attendant who won Miss Airlines International, a beauty pageant for flight attendants in 1980.
Valerie also competed and won Miss Florida competition in 1981 and went on to compete at the Miss USA beauty pageant the same year. The couple had three children Cameron, Kirsten and Kaitland.
Cameron Ely graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology on May 24, 2012 (via People Magazine). He was also a former quarterback on the Harvard University football team. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Kaitland are both social media influencers.
What happened to the actor's wife Valerie and son Cameron?
In 2019, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBCSO) officers responded to a 911 call at Ron Ely’s home. Upon arrival, deputies found Valerie dead inside the home with multiple stab wounds.
Police identified the suspect as her son Cameron, who was shot 24 times by authorities. Cameron reportedly claimed that he had a gun before he was shot. However, police later revealed he was unarmed. Cameron also placed the initial 911 call saying he had stabbed Valerie.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed against the police by Ron in 2020 alleged Cameron had his arms raised in surrender before he was shot two dozen times. However, a federal jury rejected the family's lawsuit in 2022.
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Ron, who played the role of Tarzan from 1966 to 1968, took a break from acting in the 1980’s to focus on raising his children. His last role was in the 2014 television movie Expecting Amish (via People Magazine).
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