Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond was ‘too afraid’ to be seen at the doctors to check out a lump in his neck which turned out to be a deadly cancer.
The 44-year-old, best known for playing Samuel “Screech” Powers in the popular 1990s US sitcom about a group of high school friends and their headmaster died on Monday.
His death comes just three weeks after his diagnosis for stage four small cell carcinoma. A representative for the actor confirmed the sad news to TMZ saying he died Monday morning.
He was reportedly taken off breathing machines last week in hopes of transporting him to hospice care. At his time of death he was with his girlfriend.
About three weeks ago Dustin’s rep announced through his Facebook page that the actor had been diagnosed with cancer. Other news outlets reported that he had begun his chemotherapy treatment.
Tributes for the actor have been pouring in. Co-star Mario Lopez tweeted saying, “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on..”
In a statement Diamond’s rep said, “We are saddened to confirm Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st 2021 due carcinoma.
‘He was diagnosed diagnosed with this brutal relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was it’s sharp and swift execution.”
