Chadwick Boseman’s Cause of Death: How Did the ‘Black Panther’ Star Die?

Chadwick Aaron Boseman, star of Marvel’s Black Panther, died on August 28, 2020, as stated on the actor’s official Instagram page. He was 43.

Boseman’s cause of death was colon cancer, which he battled in secret over the past four years. The actor who took on numerous iconic roles including Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Mashall in Marshall, died at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side. His family released the following statement following his untimely death:

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” his family said in the statement. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more- all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

The statement continued, “The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

Colon Cancer Typically Affects Older Adults, But African-Americans are at a Higher Risk for the Disease

GettyChadwick Boseman attends Netflix world premiere of ‘THE BLACK GODFATHER’ at the Paramount Theater on June 03, 2019.

The Mayo Clinic states that while colon cancer typically affects older adults, it can happen at any age. “It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.”

“Doctors generally recommend that people with an average risk of colon cancer begin screening around age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer or African-American heritage, should consider screening sooner.”

Even if someone shows no symptoms of colon cancer, which includes unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, unusual bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and/or constipation, doctors typically encourage patients to get a colonoscopy. During this procedure, a scope is used to examine the inside of your colon. The earlier signs of colon cancer or noncancerous polyps are discovered, the greater chance of a patient’s survival.

Chadwick Boseman getting emotional about trading letters with kids with terminal cancer who passed before they got to see Black Panther…knowing he was himself battling cancer when he said this. Jesus. pic.twitter.com/o6l6hUjanU

— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) August 29, 2020

According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients being diagnosed with colon cancer are expected to increase by 90% by 2030. While more than one-third of colorectal cancer diagnosed in patients under 35 are hereditary, rectal cancer cases are expected to increase by 124% in people aged 35 and younger.

Fans Were Concerned for Boseman’s Health After He Showed Significant Weight Loss in April

RIP Chadwick Boseman. I remember when he was trending for his drastic weight loss. Some people expressed genuine concern. Others made memes and jokes. I suppose there’s a lesson there for us all 😔 pic.twitter.com/LDSTO5RxMN

— TheNiceCast (@TheNiceCast_) August 29, 2020

Fans expressed concern for Boseman back in April after a posted a video on his Instagram page in which he looked dramatically thinner than usual.

During the video, Boseman discusses Operation 42, an initiative that aims to help hospitals that serve Black communities amid coronavirus. Boseman captioned the post:

I am hearing stories of desperation from people all over the country, and we know our communities are suffering the most and urgently need help. Celebrating #JackieRobinsonDay with the launch of Thomas Tull’s #Operation42, a donation of $4.2 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals that service the African American Communities who have been hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you, Jackie, for refusing to accept the world as it is, for showing us that we can make a difference.

The sad thing is, we all noticed Chadwick Boseman’s weight loss and assumed it was for an upcoming role. Little did we know he was in the fight of his life 😢.

— kevikev (@KevCoke6) August 29, 2020

Chadwick Boseman was relentlessly castigated over his drastic weight loss to the point where he had to delete pictures and turn off comments on IG. Let this be a lesson to be please be mindful about your words & judgements. You don’t know what type of battle people are fighting.

— Jordan Sumbu (@JordanSumbu) August 29, 2020

Chadwick Boseman died after battling colon cancer for years and just months ago tabloids were making puns over his rapid weight loss and describing him as “deathly skinny” as though “shedding a few extra pounds” were a choice…. and not a literal side effect of his illness pic.twitter.com/1c8jXzy2ss

— Michelle Rennex (@michellerennex) August 29, 2020

While his 7.4 million followers on Instagram commended his initiative, fans couldn’t help but comment to ask, “are you okay?” or inquiring if maybe he dropped the weight for a new role. Boseman never talked publicly about his health or cancer diagnosis.

Marvel Studios, Chris Evans, Jordan Peele, Don Cheadle & More Shared Tributes to Boseman Following His Death

I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.

Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙 pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020

Boseman, who earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and went on to attend the British American Drama Academy Academy in Oxford, England, left a lasting impact on the world through his craft. The news of Boseman’s death on Friday came as shock to many, and social media filled with moving tributes to the Marvel superhero.

We love you, Chadwick. Your legacy will never die. #ripchadwickboseman

— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) August 29, 2020

This is a crushing blow.

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 29, 2020

Actor Don Cheadle shared on Twitter, “I will miss you, birthday brother. You were always light and love to me. My god… forever and ever. Director Nia DaCosta tweeted, “I’ll miss waiting to see what he does next. Rest in power.”

View this post on Instagram

“It was meant to be for Chadwick and me to be connected, for us to be family. But what many don’t know is our story began long before his historic turn as Black Panther. During the premiere party for Black Panther, Chadwick reminded me of something. He whispered that when I received my honorary degree from Howard University, his alma mater, he was the student assigned to escort me that day. And here we were, years later as friends and colleagues, enjoying the most glorious night ever! We’d spent weeks prepping, working, sitting next to each other every morning in makeup chairs, preparing for the day together as mother and son. I am honored that we enjoyed that full circle experience. This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother…”thou aren’t not dead but flown afar…”. All you possessed, Chadwick, you freely gave. Rest now, sweet prince.” #WakandaForever

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett) on Aug 28, 2020 at 8:43pm PDT

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted, “Hard to hear about this. Rest in love, brother. Thank you for shining your light and sharing your talent with the world. My love and strength to your family.”

Chadwick…..no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity……..It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you….Rest well prince…May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! 💛💛💛 pic.twitter.com/6abglPBOsh

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 29, 2020

Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/DyibBLoBxz

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 29, 2020

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