Ben Woolf, an actor who starred in American Horror Story, has died after being involved in an accident in Hollywood. The 34-year-old was injured last week when a car hit him as he was crossing the road.
He was clipped by the car mirror and suffered a head injury. The driver of the vehicle was not charged as the actor was jaywalking. Ben, who was also a pre-school teacher, had been in a critical condition since last week, never recovering consciousness.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBen's family plan to honour him in a memorial service next week in California
His family released a statement thanking fans for their support.
They said: “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all over the world for our beloved Ben. He touched so many hearts in his 34 years. His memory will live on within each of us and within his work.”
His American Horror Story co-star Kathy Bates paid tribute to him on Twitter, describing him as "a sweet and gentle soul" to her 135,000 followers. Meanwhile, the creator of the show Ryan Murphy, who is also known for his work on Glee and Nip/Tuck called Ben "one of the most inspirational people I have ever met".
Ben appeared in the first season of the show and returned for the fourth season as a character named Meep. He had previously appeared on Dead Kansas, Woggie and TV Face.
However, the 4ft 4in actor, who was diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism when he was young, which caused his bones to shrink, actually considered his screen career a side job in comparison to his teaching.
His organs will be donated and will be used to help about 50 people. Ben's family plan to remember him in a memorial service in Santa Barbara, California shortly.
