David Lynch‘s death came after he was “forced to relocate from his house” due to the Los Angeles wildfires, it has been reported.
Yesterday (January 16), Lynch’s death was announced by his family on social media. His family did not share a date of his death. He was aged 78.
Now, in a statement to Deadline, anonymous sources have revealed that his health took a turn for the worse after he was forced to evacuate from his home along Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. As of the time of writing, the details of his evacuation have remained private.
ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted in black and white) David Lynch walks the red carpet during the 12th Rome Film Fest at Auditorium Parco Della Musica on November 4, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
The wildfires would have drastically affected Lynch’s health, as the director revealed his emphysema diagnosis last year, which was caused by smoking for most of his life. Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is where damage to the air sacs occurs as a result of smoking, pollution or workplace irritants (as per NHS). The disease causes breathing problems, coughing and those suffering from it can experience frequent chest infections and wheezing.
To add on, Lynch confirmed in November that he needed supplemental oxygen for strenuous activities, which he classified as “walking across a room” and more. He also added that due to fears of COVID-19 further affecting his condition, he would no longer be directing films on set or leaving his home for projects, instead opting to direct remotely.
David Lynch in 2019. Credit: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
In film and TV, Lynch was best known for titles such as Eraserhead, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, Elephant Man and the less-than-favourable Dune. His longtime collaborator and friend Kyle MacLachlan has since paid tribute to the late filmmaker, saying he “owes” his life and career to Lynch. The pair have worked on numerous titles together including Dune, Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks.
Other names who have paid homage to David Lynch since his death include Steven Spielberg, Edgar Wright, James Gunn, Hugh Jackman, Billy Corgan, Questlove and more – see more tributes here.
The post David Lynch reportedly died after being “forced to relocate from his house” due to LA wildfires appeared first on NME.
