Adam Sandler has honoured his Grown Ups co-star Cameron Boyce by helping to raise $15k for a charity close to Cameron’s heart.
The actor died in his sleep on July 6 after suffering an epileptic seizure at the age of 20. The coroner’s preliminary report indicated Cameron died from natural causes, with the final cause of death determined at a later date.
Cameron rose to fame on the Disney Channel show Jessie, and was widely recognised for his role as Adam Sandler’s son Keith Feder in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2.
Since his tragic passing, tributes poured in from many in the industry who had worked with Cameron or who knew of his kind spirit and charitable ways.
Sandler first paid tribute to the Disney star in an emotional Instagram post, describing him as ‘the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around’.
He continued:
Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way.
All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.
Now, the 52-year-old actor has urged his followers to continue Cameron’s legacy by donating to Thirst Project, a charity which provides clean drinking water and wells throughout Africa and which Cameron was committed to supporting.
The co-founder and CEO of Thirst Project, Seth Maxwell, told TMZ so far more than 350 people have donated money to the initiative in Cameron’s honour, totalling approximately $15k.
Maxwell explained how the money is continuing to pour in from online donations, with a large chunk coming from a Facebook fundraiser started by Sandler.
Posting to his official Facebook page, Sandler wrote:
Cameron Boyce worked hard to help other people through great charitable organizations like Thirst Project & United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Let’s show our love and respect by continuing to support them in his name.
The CEO said Thirst Project has been overwhelmed by messages and emails from people asking how they can get involved and continue Cameron’s legacy since his death.
Sandler isn’t the only celebrity to pay tribute to the actor; Skai Jackson, who worked with Cameron on Jessie, and Nolan Gould (Modern Family) also encouraged their followers to donate to Thirst Project.
You can donate to Thirst Project here.
Our thoughts are with Cameron’s loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Cameron.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).