Hollywood film star died of heart attack
ASTOCKPORT- born martial artist who starred in dozens of Hollywood action films died suddenly of a cardiac arrest, tests have confirmed.
The family of Darren Shahlavi, 42, say they are still ‘numb with shock’ following his death in January in Los Angeles.
His sister, Elisabeth Shahlavi, paid tribute to Darren as a ‘kind-hearted, loving’ person who had always dreamed of a career as a martial artist.
She said the family had faced an agonising wait for the autopsy results since Darren’s death, which revealed he had a longstanding heart condition.
They now want to raise awareness of heart disease among other young, healthy young men and encourage others to be screened for the condition.
Elisabeth, from Cheadle Hulme, said: “This has come as a total shock to our family.
“It seems unbelievable that someone as dedicated to health and fitness as Darren should have heart disease and lose his life this way.
“We have since been told this happens quite a lot to healthy, young men and athletes, yet very few people are aware of it.
“We are just devastated that Darren’s condition was never diagnosed, which is why we are determined to raise awareness of this ‘silent killer’.”
Darren learnt his kungfu skills at the age of seven, and pursued a stunt career in Hong Kong as well as an acting career after moving to America.
Known for mainly playing the bad guy in films, Darren practised and refined his skills at Manchester’s martial arts academy, Master Toddy’s Gym.
His film career involved appearances in Night at the Museum, 300 and the Chronicles of Riddick.
Elisabeth added: “It’s heart-wrenching for us because Darren was on the brink of really making it in Hollywood.
“It’s ironic that he used to play the bad guy because he was such kind, lovely man.
“We are so proud of him and all of his achievements.”
The family are now fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity committed to preventing sudden cardiac death in young people through screening, awareness and research.
There is also a fund to build a permanent memorial to Darren in Hollywood.
For more information, go to giveforward.com/ fundraiser/ 1zf7/ darren-shahlavi-memorial-fund.