Actor Warwick Davis is reportedly suing a hospital in London amid claims of medical negligence after the tragic death pf his wife Samantha.
Samantha Davis died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 53. Warwick has instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell to represent his family following her sad death. Specialist medical negligence solicitor Madeline Nugent is working alongside the star’s family. An inquest into Samantha’s death was due to take place on Thursday, January 9, as coroner Mrs Jean Harkin said it was answer questions.
Mr Davis and their daughter Annabelle due to take part in the proceedings and is suing a London hospital, according to the Daily Mail. However, the hearing – which was due to take place virtually from Inner West London Coroner’s Court – was adjourned before any evidence was presented. Counsel for the Davis family, William Chapman, said Mr Davis was unable to connect to the inquest.
The barrister suggested the hearing was adjourned so he could follow and contribute fully. Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin, told the court: “Warwick Davis most likely would like to be part of this inquest process. At the next hearing I will make sure there is nothing in my diary that day…I will give it a full day when I relist [the inquest].”
William Chapman added: “We are content with your suggestion and are grateful for it.” He also said the family would like the proceedings to be held remotely again. The inquest was adjourned to a future date ‘as quickly as possible’.
Warwick met actress Samantha when he was 17 years old. He annnounced her death in a poignant tribute, writing: “Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. I miss her hugs.” He went on to describe his late spouse as his “most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career”.
“She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes,” he added in the statement shared with the BBC. Samantha and Warwick’s children Harrison and Annabelle also paid tribute, saying their late mother’s “love and happiness carried us through our whole lives”.
“Mum is our best friend and we’re honoured to have received a love like hers,” Harrison and Annabelle added. “With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power,” Warwick continued with his tribute. “Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3. She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear.”
Samantha, who was born on January 30, 1971, as Samantha D. Burroughs, had achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism. She was best known for her roles in Through the Dragon’s Eye, ShortFellas and Honky Sausages. She even featured in the 1988 movie Willow alongside her husband in an uncredited role. It was on the set of Willow that the pair met as teenagers.
In 2018, Sam underwent an operation which saw her contract sepsis. The infection c hauses issues with the body’s immune system and causes it to attack tissues and organs. Warwick and their children were told that she would die and he informed his children that they should say their goodbyes. At the time, Warwick said “The next few hours were the longest of my life.”
He told The Sun: “I broke down every night thinking that this terrible illness that came out of nowhere might take my soulmate away from me.” Despite her struggles in 2018, Warwick revealed in 2022 that Samantha was still struggling and was suffering from “some PTSD from her experience,” adding that he was also experiencing it.
Warwick’s representative has been approached for comment.
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