Spartacus star passes away

it is with great sadness that I report that, Andy Whitfield, the SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND star (the original Starz Spartacus) has passed away after an 18-month battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 39.

From the AP (via FoxNews):

"On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18 month battle with lymphoma cancer," Whitfield's wife Vashti said in a statement. "He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/11/spartacus-star-whitfield-dies-at-3/#ixzz1XjreumZm

Starz said in a released statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Andy Whitfield,” said Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht. “We were fortunate to have worked with Andy in Spartacus and came to know that the man who played a champion on-screen was also a champion in his own life. Andy was an inspiration to all of us as he faced this very personal battle with courage, strength and grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and fans.”

Read more: http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/09/11/andy-whitfield-death/