The legendary actor was hospitalised in Kauai. The nature of the incident was not immediately revealed.
Chuck died after news broke that he suffered a medical emergency and was taken to hospital, according to TMZ.
Just days earlier, he shared a final Instagram post marking his 86th birthday.
“I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today,” he wrote on March 11.
“Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
The actor’s family confirmed his death on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the statement started.
“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.
“He lived life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. “Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him.
“The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.
“We know many of you heard about his recent hospitalisation, and we are truly grateful for the prayers and support you sent his way.
“As we grieve this loss, we kindly ask for privacy for our family during this time. Thank you for loving him with us.”
Norris apparently declined rapidly, as an insider told the Daily Mail that he had been training on the island just the day before his death and appeared to be the “vision of health”.
“Chuck worked out and trained almost everyday of his life. He would spar and just be active always,” the source told the publication.
“Every time someone would talk to him or see him he’d be coming from or going to a work out. He was definitely up on his fitness leading into his death.
“He has lived a life of always being in tremendous shape both spiritually, mentally and physically.”
They added that “the last several weeks he was very healthy and happy, working out and just enjoying life.”
According to the insider, his death has come as a “major surprise” to his tight-knit family.
“There was no reason for anyone to think he was sick as he was always in great spirits, happy and looked young and vibrant. This was a very big surprise,” the source said.
Several other members of his family also paid tribute to the iconic star, with one of his daughters, Danilee, describing him as someone who “loved so deeply and cared for every single person in his life with so much tenderness”.
Norris’ granddaughter, Greta, wrote that he was “the most down to earth person ever, in a room full of people he would make it known that he was listening to you and only you.”
The actor’s son, Dakota, whom he shared with second wife Gena, wrote: “You made sure I knew how much you loved me. Honest to God, I didn’t think there was a single day that went by where you didn’t say it.”
Norris also cultivated friendships with plenty of high-profile figures, including former US President George HW Bush Senior.
In a tribute posted to Instagran, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation wrote that Norris “will be remembered not only for his many talents, but for the warmth and friendship he extended to those who knew him”.
- With The Sun
