Val Kilmer, who died at age 65 on Tuesday, April 1, told PEOPLE in a September 2021 cover story that his family 'was never the same again' after his younger brother, Wesley, died at age 15 when he drowned in their father's hot tub after experiencing an epileptic seizure.

Val Kilmer's family speaks out after the actor's death Tuesday in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise asks a crowd for a moment of silence in honor of his friend.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, the actor welcomed his eldest child, daughter Mercedes, in 1991 with his then-wife, Joanne Whalley. The couple split shortly after they welcomed their son, Jack, in 1995. Their divorce was finalized the following year.

Val Kilmer’s family has broken their silence following his death Tuesday at the age of 65. “Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory,” the Top Gun star’s family, which includes daughter Mercedes,

Val Kilmer was confined to his bed in the final years of his life, according to a new report.

Despite declaring himself cancer-free in 2021, Kilmer’s health had reportedly never recovered from his treatment, which included a tracheostomy.

Michael Mann, Francis Ford Coppola, Nicolas Cage, Jim Carrey and Josh Brolin were among the many entertainment industry figures who paid tribute to Val Kilmer after news of his death was announced.

A unique talent, Val Kilmer was praised as an acting chameleon who took on varied and challenging roles, and the results were often memorable.