The actor who played Tommy on the 1990s sitcom “Martin” died Wednesday afternoon at an undisclosed metro Atlanta hospital.
Tommy Ford was 52.
This evening at 4:50PM surrounded by family and close friends @BigTommyFord transitioned from this life to life eternal. #tommyford #RIP
— J Mathis (@RJMConsults) October 12, 2016
Ford's health had declined since he was admitted to the hospital Sunday after an aneurysm ruptured in his abdomen, wife Gina Ford told TMZ. She told the entertainment news organization earlier Wednesday that he was on life support.
According to the American Heart Association, an aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to widen abnormally or balloon out.
Ford, who also appeared in “New York Undercover,” “The Jamie Foxx Show” and “The Parkers,” starred for five seasons on “Martin” as Martin Lawrence’s unemployed but loyal best friend.
Fans were informed of Ford's death in an Instagram post Wednesday evening.
"He was so dearly loved by so many and for that lets all be grateful for a life well served," the post said.
Ford had knee replacement surgery Sept. 28, according to his Twitter page. On Oct. 7, Ford posted that he had been in physical therapy.
Lawrence released a statement late Wednesday night on the passing of his longtime friend and former co-star.
My heart is heavy with the loss of my brother @BigTommyFord May he Rest In Peace
🙏🏿— Martin Lawrence (@realmartymar)
Co-stars Tisha Campbell-Martin and Tichina Arnold earlier took to Twitter asking for prayers for Ford. News of Ford's death spread across social media with celebrities and friends mourning his death.
RIP bro. Your legacy lives on. My prayers go up for his family. May God bless them & guide them through these tough times. #Love
Posted by T.I. on Wednesday, October 12, 2016
RIP Tommy Ford. Always had a smile on his face.
— Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) October 12, 2016
There's not a episode of Martin I don't know!! I'm saddened to just hear about Tommy
😞my prayers go out 2 his family & friends..🙏🏾 wow— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott)
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, Ford's family said in a release to entertainment news outlets.
Friends, family and fans can sign Ford's online obituary here.
