‘Heartland’ Star Robert Cormier Dies at Age 33

“Heartland” actor Robert Cormier died from injuries he sustained in a “tragic” fall on Friday at age 33.

Cormier’s sister revealed to the Hollywood Reporter that Cormier died at a hospital in Etobicoke, Canada, after a bad fall, although she did not elaborate on the details.
His family later confirmed that information in a statement to People saying “Robbie passed away as the result of a tragic accident. Robbie was loved by many and his unexpected death has left us devastated. While we are broken-hearted, we take comfort in the overwhelming love and support shown to our family by Robbie’s friends, colleagues and fans,” they concluded the statement, before thanking the hospital workers and asking for privacy during this difficult time.

In his obituary, Cormier was remembered as "an athlete, an actor, and a great brother. He had a passion for helping others and was always looking to achieve more. He enjoyed movie nights with his family and looked up greatly to his father. He impacted many people throughout his life whether it was family, teammates, and friends."
 
The obituary continues, "Rob's memory will live on through his passion for art and film; as well as his three sisters who meant the world to him."
 
Following the news, Heartland's official Instagram account paid tribute to the late star. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Cormier. He was a beloved member of the Heartland cast the last two seasons," the show wrote in their statement on Instagram. "On behalf of the Heartland cast and crew, our thoughts are with him and his family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time."

UPtv — which airs Heartland — also remembered Cormier on Instagram. "Robert Cormier, aka Heartland's Finn, was an amazing talent, gone too soon," the network wrote alongside a photo of the actor with his co-star Amber Marshall. "We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our sincere condolences go out to his friends, family, and co-workers. 🕊️" they added.

The Canada native played Finn Cotter, the grandson of Al Cotter (Duncan Fraser), in season 15 of the show and was expected to return for season 16, which premieres on CBC next month. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Cormier,” CBC wrote in a statement shared via Instagram on Tuesday. “He was a beloved member of the Heartland cast the last two seasons. On behalf of the Heartland cast and crew, our thoughts are with him and his family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.”

Born in Toronto on June 14, 1989, Cormier said his favorite actor was Jean-Claude Van Damme. “I told my dad, ‘Daddy, call me Robbie Van Damme,'” he said. He studied economics at York University before graduating from the Toronto Academy of Acting for Film & Television in 2014. Two years later, he scored a guest spot on ABC’s Designated Survivor, starring Kiefer Sutherland.

“Life hasn’t always dealt me the best hands, and I have been let down more times than I can count, but I always preserve,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page. “I recite this daily. … There is really no difference between the hero and the coward in what they feel. It’s what they do that makes them different.”

Survivors include his parents, Robert and Lisa; sisters Brittany, Krystal and Stephanie; and grandmother Joanne. His funeral has been set for Sunday in Etobicoke.