Shannon Amos, the daughter of actor John Amos, said she learned of her father’s death when it was reported in the media.
The death of Amos, 84, was announced by son Kelly Christopher “K.C.” Amos on Oct. 1. However, the “Coming to America” actor had died of natural causes on Aug. 21.
Shannon Amos, 58, responded to the news on Instagram.
“We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you,” she captioned a post featuring pictures and videos of the two together, including one where they dance outdoors.
“This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing,” she continued. “Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”
Shannon Amos claimed her father was a victim of elder abuse in June 2023 after he had been hospitalized in Memphis, Tenn. The alleged “elder abuse, neglect, and fiduciary abuse” were “believed to be perpetrated by a trusted caregiver,” she said. An investigation was opened by authorities in Colorado, but no other information was made available.
The “Good Times” star refuted those claims, which eventually pinned blame on K.C. Amos, most recently in March 2024.
“I want to first say that I am feeling well and working diligently on various projects that I am involved in at this time, including the docuseries that my son and I are producing, along with a music release,” Amos said in a statement to People magazine. “I’d like to add that everywhere we go together, people refer to my son K.C. as my twin. I’m proud of him for who he is as a person: a caring, thoughtful human being who respects me and I him.”
“Now, I will say this for now: This story about neglect is false and unmerited,” he said. “The real truth will come out soon and you will hear it from me. Believe it.”
Shannon Amos responded, saying the seriousness of the matter was being “downplayed.”
“We went through this before with my Mother, who also suffered tremendous neglect,” she told People. “We are trying to prevent the same thing from happening to my Father. I love my brother and I hope he will get the help he needs, but we need to prioritize the safety of my father who is vulnerable, first and foremost.”