Many people were shocked when news broke Tuesday, October 1 of John Amos’ death. But none seemed to be as shocked as Amos’ daughter Shannon Amos who wrote she was “without words” to learn of her father’s death from the media.
“I am without words…Our family has received the heartbreaking news that my Dad, John Allen Amos, Jr., transitioned on August 21st,” she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. “We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”
The actor’s death was announced October 1 by his son Kelly Christopher Amos.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son said in a statement, per Deadline. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father.”
“This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing,” Shannon wrote next to a video of her and her father dancing to “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross.
“Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free.”
Last year, Shannon accused her brother of failing to provide sufficient care for their elderly father. She claimed her father was a victim of “elder abuse and financial exploitation,” which led to multiple agencies opening an investigation. The investigations were later closed due to a lack of evidence.
“On May 14th, I would receive a distressing call: from my dad, sharing that he was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, in immense pain. Despite being out of the country, I arranged for help to reach him. ICU revealed his life hanging by a thread,” she wrote on social media.
John responded to his daughter’s allegations stating he was “doing well” and not in the ICU nor was he ever fighting for his life.
The Roots star also requested GoFundMe refund everyone who donated to the campaign his daughter set up on his behalf.
“I want the GoFundMe campaign about me to stop immediately, and the funds subsequently returned to those who made donations,” he said, per CNN. “My son and I will reveal more information at the appropriate time.”
Shannon has asked everyone to continue to hold the Amos family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate the difficult emotions associated with John’s death.