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How did Jahmil French die? Heartbroken ‘Degrassi’ costars post tributes after ‘devastating news’ of death at 29

'I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday,' screenwriter and producer Joshua Safran wrote

Canadian actor Jahmil French, most noted for his regular role as Dave Turner in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’, for which he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series at the 1st Canadian Screen Awards in 2013, died at the age of 29.

"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and client Jahmil French," a representative for the actor said in a statement. "He will be remembered by many for his passion for the arts, his commitment to his craft, and his vibrant personality. I ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time." The cause of death has not been confirmed yet.

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Who was Jahmil French?

Born on July 29, 1991, Jahmil French was best known for his role on ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ as Dave Turner and not many people know that he was a Spoken Word Artist. 

Apart from ‘Degrassi’, Jahmil's television credits also include ‘Flashpoint’ and he was also a part of theatre projects like Greek tragedy ‘Antigone’, ‘Grease’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘Too Darn Hot Cabaret’ and several more. Not just that, he starred in movies like ‘Rocky Road’ with Mark Salling, ‘A Day Late’, ‘A Dollar Short’ also starring Whoopi Goldberg and Ving Rhames and played the role of Trey on the AMC's ‘The Divide’. 

If reports are to be believed, French was very close to Munro Chambers, Shannon Kook-Chun, Luke Bilyk, Stephan James, and Shanice Banton. 

‘An integral part of the Degrassi family’ 

The news of his passing was first shared by screenwriter and producer Joshua Safran, who worked with French on the Netflix series ‘Soundtrack’ in 2019. "I can confirm my good friend, co-worker, and all around inspiration, Jahmil French, passed away yesterday," Safran wrote. "Only posting because I see the story getting out there. I will have more to say about him later. Right now we're all just processing this devastating news." 

Melinda Shankar, who played Alli Bhandari — a love interest of French's character — in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ shared a heartfelt post on Instagram alongside a series of photos of her and French. "@jahmilfrench you will always hold such a special place in my heart," Shankar wrote. "Thank you for being one of the most talented, compassionate, kindest, funniest friends I have. You were so loved. Sharing some of my fav pics over the years to highlight his bright light. I'll miss our dance-offs."

Melinda also went on to express her shock in a string of tweets. "So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel," she wrote in a long tweet.

Cristine Prosperi, who played Imogen Moreno on the show, wrote on Twitter along with photos of the actor, "My heart is so heavy... Truly one of a kind. Rest In Peace." Chloe Rose, who played Katie Matlin on the show wrote on Twitter, "Still in shock. Jahmil will be missed. He was an integral part of the Degrassi family and certainly a huge part of my Degrassi days. He always wanted to make people laugh and smile, a true joy to be around. Rest in Peace."

Jessica Tyler, who played Jenna Middleton on ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’, wrote on her Instagram Story: "I, along with my cast mates, had the pleasure of working with Jahmil for several years. And though it was work, it never felt that way. We grew up together, all of us. There are so many memories to look back on."

"Though not all of us have kept in case contact since Degrassi ended — and not for any reason other than the simple fact that time and life go on 0 at the end of the day, we are a family," Tyler continued. "Always have been, always will be. We are bound together, forever, by the unique experience we call, Degrassi. A place that many of us would call home to this day." 

"You are so loved Jahmil," she said. "My heart goes out to you and your family. Rest in Peace. Your kindness and bright light will not be forgotten. Much love to you, my friend.”