Gene Wilder’s family reveal touching final moments: ‘He passed holding our hands’

Gene Wilder’s family have revealed the touching moment before he died.

The acting icon, who died at the age of 83 at his home in Stamford, Connecticut earlier this month, was surrounded by friends and family.

In a statement, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman detailed his final moments, saying that they had been ‘holding hands’ and listening to Ella Fitzgerald.

“He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember,” he said.

“As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald.

“There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London bistro some years ago that are among each our cherished possessions.”

He continued: “She was singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow as he was taken away.”

Wilder’s family announced the news of his death on Monday, following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

A family statement read: “It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parent, and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.

“The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, with which he co-existed for the last three years.”

Tributes from fans and fellow actors poured in following news of Wilder’s death on Monday.

Mel Brooks, who Wilder collaborated with on many occasions, tweeted: “Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time.

"He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship."