Neill died on Monday (Jul 13) his family said in a statement that described the loss as "sudden and unexpected". His family did not mention cause of death but added that he was cancer free.

Sam Neill has died at the age of 78 after revealing he was 'cancer--free' just months ago following his long battle with the disease.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected,” Neill’s family said in a statement Monday.

The star had announced he had won his battle with cancer in April.

Actor’s death was called ‘sudden and unexpected’ by his family