How Cameron Boyce's Mom Libby Is Dealing With Her 20-Year-Old Son's Sudden Death
His family is asking for privacy during their time of grief.
Instagram Fans were stunned over the weekend when 20-year-old Disney star Cameron Boyce was found dead in his California home. The actor, best known for his work on the television series Jessie and the franchise The Descendents, about the children of Disney villains, passed away very suddenly according to statements from his family. Fans and co-stars were shocked by the news. Adam Sandler, with whom Boyce had starred in the movie Grown Ups wrote: “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around. Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us.”
Cameron was very close to his family, especially his mother Libby, a social worker who was an inspiration to the young star. The family has been asking for privacy in the face of this unspeakable loss. How are they dealing with Cameron’s death? Read on for details. Who is Libby Boyce?
1. Announcement
Cameron Boyce’s death came as a shock to fans but he was evidently under medical care for an unspecified medical disorder, reports CNN. His family issued a statement announcing their loss, saying ”It is with a profoundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron. He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated.”
The statement went on to focus on the love family and fans alike felt for the Disney star, saying: ”The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”
2. Cause of death
While the statement alluded to a known medical condition, there is still an investigation into the cause of Cameron’s death. The coroner’s office performed at autopsy this week but did not make any conclusive statements about what happened to the young actor. In a press release, the Medical Examiner’s office wrote: “An autopsy was performed today and a cause of death was deferred pending further investigation.” No information was given on what the next steps will be.
His death is still under investigation.
3. Career
Boyce was 20-years-old at the time of his death but he had already been performing for many years. His official biography on the Disney website says: “Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and dubbed an old soul by many who have encountered him, it’s no surprise that Cameron Boyce possesses an all-encompassing appreciation for the arts. His love of performing began in a dance studio, which then transitioned him into commercials, and not long after television and film.”
Boyce starred in films like Mirrors, Eagle Eye, Grown Ups as well as Disney projects like Jessie and Disney XD’s Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything as well as the series The Descendants.
He used his position to advocate for charitable causes as well. His bio says: “A humanitarian, Boyce is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors and has been particularly outspoken for Thirst Project, a non-profit organization that provides awareness for the global water crisis. Last year, Boyce launched a campaign on his birthday that raised more than $27,000 to build two wells in Swaziland and continues to actively advocate on their behalf.”
He won an award for his work on providing clean water to people in need.
4. Mother
Cameron’s mother Libby was one of his inspirations in life. A social worker, she worked in public health as well as working with the homeless. In an interview with Dazed, Cameron said: “My mum was a social worker in health when the AIDS epidemic hit, and now she’s doing homeless coordinating and managing teams on Skid Row.” As recently as this year, he posted a birthday message to his mother, calling her the “axis my [world] revolves around.”
A birthday post to his mom.
5. Grief
The family is staying largely quiet in the sad days after Cameron’s death. Aside from their official statement and requests for privacy, they haven’t said very much to the press. Cameron’s father Victor Boyce, did address fans via Twitter on Sunday, posting: “I’m overwhelmed with the love and support our family has received. It really does help to ease the pain of this nightmare I can’t wake up from. I can’t thank you guys enough."
His family is remaining private at this time.
Cameron had recently finished filming the third installment of the franchise, Descendants 3, which will premiere on August 2.
Rebekah Kuschmider has been writing about celebrities, pop culture, entertainment, and politics since 2010. Her work has been seen at Ravishly, Babble, Scary Mommy, The Mid, Redbook online, and The Broad Side. She is the creator of the blog Stay at Home Pundit and she is a cohost of the weekly podcast The More Perfect Union.