Rome, 20 March (LaPresse) – The film world is in mourning. Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion who became an icon of action cinema and star of the famous series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’, has died at the age of 86. Norris had been admitted to hospital in Hawaii last Thursday following a medical emergency on the island of Kauai. This morning, his family released a statement on social media announcing his passing. “Whilst we wish to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and is resting in peace,” the post reads. “To the world, he was a martial artist, an actor and a symbol of strength. To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an extraordinary brother and the heart of our family. He lived his life with faith, determination and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, his discipline and his kindness, he inspired millions of people around the world and left an indelible mark on the lives of so many,” the family’s post concludes.