Harry Potter actor found dead in Death Valley
Dave Legeno starred as Fenrir Greyback in the Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows.
British actor-boxer Dave Legeno, the blood-thirsty werewolf Fenrir Greyback in the Harry Potter films was found dead by hikers on early Sunday morning in a remote area of Death Valley, California police said on Friday.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office said the body of Legeno, 50, was transported from the area in a helicopter after it was found, Reuters reported. “It appears that Legeno died of heat-related issues and may have been dead for three to four days before his body was discovered,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Summer temperatures in Death Valley can go as agonisingly high as 120 degrees.
“But the Inyo County coroner will determine the final cause of death. There are no signs of foul play,” the statement added. While Legeno’s family makes plans for his funeral, his body is being held by the coroner. He leaves behind a 20 year old daughter.
Legeno also portrayed roles in a string of films, including Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), Centurion (2010) and Batman Begins (2005). He featured in television shows such as TV miniseries Titanic (2012) and Spooks (2009).
Other than earning his spurs as an actor, Legeno was a professional boxer and martial arts expert. He was a successful Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter in the United Kingdom and boasted a professional record of 4-3.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2014.