Actor of Degrassi: Next Generation, Jahmil French, passed away unexpectedly on March first of this year, leaving his fans and co-stars confused and devastated. French was 29 years old and starred as Dave Turner on the show. His representative confirmed his death yesterday, March 2nd, with the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of a dear friend and client Jahmil French. He will be remembered by many for his passion for the arts, his commitment to his craft, and his vibrant personality. I ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
Degrassi Co-Stars Mourn
Although French was only 29 years old, he left an impact on many lives around his, especially his co-stars from Degrassi and other projects he had worked on.
Annie Clark, who worked with French on Degrassi playing the character of Fiona Coyne, left a heartfelt post on Instagram with several throwback pictures of the two with the caption:
“Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French ????We started on Degrassi the same year and I’ll never forget the day I met him. Jahmil was so full of energy and absolute joy to be around. The video on the last slide is how I always think of him. He was such a special person and I’m so grateful for the memories we made. I still can’t believe it. Gone way too soon. He will be so missed by us all.”
Melinda Shankar, another Degrassi alum, shared this tweet saying, “So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel. Blessed that we got to be part of a big dysfunctional family together. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I just hope you knew how loved you were.”
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So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel. Blessed that we got to be part of a big dysfunctional family together. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I just hope you knew how loved you were. pic.twitter.com/6upmYClo3r
— Melinda Shankar (@melindashankar) March 2, 2021
Dylan Everett of the show wrote, “Wanted to pay my respects to an incredibly kind, funny, and talented individual; Jahmil French. One of the first people I met on Degrassi, he immediately made me feel welcome. He disarmed you with a smile and his confidence and energy was infectious. You’ll be missed, brother.”
Wanted to pay my respects to an incredibly kind, funny, and talented individual; Jahmil French. One of the first people I met on Degrassi, he immediately made me feel welcome. He disarmed you with a smile and his confidence and energy was infectious. You’ll be missed, brother.
— Dylan Everett (@dylanevz) March 2, 2021
Aislinn Paul, better known as Clare Edwards on Degrassi, was especially devastated by Jahmil French’s death, writing in a series of tweets, “My heart is broken. I feel strange, announcing these things I wish I had told him more often. Reached out more often. The regret is acute. He deserved his flowers when he was here. I hope he knew how much love & admiration there was for him in this world.”
My heart is broken. I feel strange, announcing these things I wish I had told him more often. Reached out more often. The regret is acute. He deserved his flowers when he was here. I hope he knew how much love & admiration there was for him in this world.
— Aislinn Paul (@aislinnpaul) March 2, 2021
Jahmil French was an incredible person, so full of talent and passion for his work. He lit up a room with his energy and dance moves. An easy smile and a natural charisma. He will be so missed
— Aislinn Paul (@aislinnpaul) March 2, 2021
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In a year full of grief, it’s hard to comprehend how there can be room for more. And yet.
— Aislinn Paul (@aislinnpaul) March 2, 2021
Fans Remember Him
Autum on Twitter wrote, “Rest in peace jahmil french, we all love and miss you!
say hey to naya rivera, cory monteith, and mark salling for me,” remembering the many young actors we have lost in recent years.
https://twitter.com/autum07x33/status/1367217269256896513?s=20
Also, Rest in Power to Jahmil French, best known for playing Dave Turner on Degrassi. So, sad to lose such a talented soul, so young. #RIPJahmil
— LIBRA'S GROOVE ⚖️♎ (@jaybosinggs) March 3, 2021
Twitter user Shane wrote, “Just learned that Jahmil French who played Dave in Degrassi passed away Mon. this truly hurts to hear, I hadn’t heard much about Jahmil in recent yrs but I used to be obsessed with him when I was younger, one of my first celeb crushes, my heart goes out to all his loved ones RIP”
Syariah Monea said, “RIP to Jahmil French. I was literally looking at videos of your poetry last night. This is unreal.”
RIP to Jahmil French. I was literally looking at videos of your poetry last night. This is unreal.
— notnomo (@xemough) March 3, 2021
Jahmil French’s legacy will live on through his work as an actor, his impact in people’s lives, and in the heart of his fans. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed and released to the public. We send our condolences to French’s loved ones.
