“Leave It To Beaver” star Tony Dow passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77 after his death was announced prematurely the day before.
“We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family by his side to guide him through this journey,” a statement posted on his Facebook page.
The statement continued: “We know the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave us all so much and was loved by so many. One fan said it best: ‘It is rare that there is a person as universally loved as Tony.’”
His son shared mourned the loss of his father, calling it a “very sad day.”
“While this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best father anyone could wish for,” Christopher said in the statement. “He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man at my wedding and my hero.
“My wife said something powerful and shows what kind of man he was. She said, ‘Tony was such a nice man. He had such a big heart and I’ve never heard Tony say anything bad or negative about anyone.’”
On Tuesday, Dow’s family falsely announced that the actor had died. But later in the day it was revealed that he was still alive.
His wife, Lauren Shulkind, accidentally notified the actor’s management team, TMZ reported at the time.