’42’ star Chadwick Boseman dies on Jackie Robinson day

Chadwick Boseman, who played baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the sports biopic “42,” passed away on Friday (Saturday in Manila) after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43 years old.

His death came on the same day that Major League Baseball (MLB) was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day in honor of the iconic player who became the first African American to play in the Major League. Players and other personnel on the field were required to wear Robinson’s No. 42 jersey.

Boseman’s death was confirmed through a statement on the actor’s Twitter account.

According to the statement, Boseman died at his home with his wife and family by his side after he was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016.