‘American Horror Story’ star Ben Woolf dies after being hit by car
By Will Stroude
American Horror Story
star Ben Woolf has died at the age of 34.
The actor – who starred in seasons 1 and 4 of the horror anthology series as Infantata and Meep respectively – passed away at LA’s Cedars Sinai hospital yesterday (February 23), having suffered a stroke four days after sustaining a serious head injury in a road traffic accident.
Woolf was originally hospitalised last Thursday (February 19) after being hit by the wing-mirror of an SUV while crossing the road in Hollywood. Though his condition was upgraded to critical but stable over the weekend, he never regained consciousness.
His family said in a statement: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all over the world for our beloved Ben. He touched so many hearts in his 34 years. His memory will live on within each of us and within his work.”
Tributes have also flooded in from Woolf’s American Horror Story colleagues and co-stars, with series creator Ryan Murphy tweeting that the actor was “one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met”.
RIP Ben Woolf. One of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. http://t.co/3mlXoNhOM3
— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) February 24, 2015
Kathy Bates also paid tribute to her “sweet and gentle” co-star:
Dear Ben, Yours was a sweet and gentle soul. “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” — Kathy Bates (@MsKathyBates) February 24, 2015
LA Police Department confirmed that the driver invloved in the original incident will not face charges, while a memorial service for Woolf is reportedly being planned for next week in Santa Barbara, California.
More stories:
Ryan Murphy ‘re-inventing’ American Horror Story for season 5
The 10 Fiercest Women of ‘American Horror Story’