Officers said he posed a threat and opened fire

THE wife of 60s Tarzan actor Ron Ely was killed by their son, who was then shot dead by police, it was reported yesterday.

Valerie Lundeen Ely, 62, was found with stab wounds on Tuesday at the family home in Santa Barbara, California, after emergency services received a call regarding a family disturbance.

Ron, who played Tarzan on US TV from 1966 to 1968, was at the house and spoke to police, who identified their 30-year-old son Cameron as the suspect.

He was cornered outside the house, which is in a luxury development, and four officers fired at him.

Sheriffs said he was deemed a threat to officers but refused to say why.

There were no reports of 81-year-old Ron being injured but an earlier statement by police said an elderly man was taken to hospital for an evaluation.

The Santa Barbara BY JANE HAMILTON Crime Reporter sheriff’s office said: “Deputies searched the residence and surrounding area for Cameron Ely.

“During the search, the suspect was located outside the home.

“He posed a threat and in response four deputies fired their service weapons at the suspect, fatally wounding him.”

While filming Tarzan, Ron did all his own stunts and suffered dozens of injuries in the process, including two broken shoulders and various lion bites.

Valerie was a former beauty queen and was crowned Miss Florida. She became Ron’s second wife when they married in 1984.

As well as Cameron, the couple have two daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland.

US media said Cameron attended an elite boarding school in New Hampshire, before going to study at Harvard University.