Ron Ely, widely recognized for his role in the original “Tarzan” television series, has passed away, as confirmed by his daughter Kirsten Ely on social media Wednesday. He was 86 years old.

According to The New York Times, Ely reportedly died on September 29 at his daughter’s residence close to Santa Barbara, California. Attempts by YSL News to contact Ely’s representatives for comment were unsuccessful.

“The world has lost one of its greatest men – and I have lost my dad,” wrote Kirsten Ely in her Instagram message and a statement given to Fox News Digital.

Born in northern Texas, Ely was also recognized for his performances in series like “The Aquanauts,” and films including “The Night of the Grizzly” and the 1975 film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze.”

In addition to acting, he hosted the Miss America pageant in both 1980 and 1981, taking over from long-time host Bert Parks, and also presented the game show “Face the Music” during that period.

Ely was born on June 21, 1938, in Hereford, Texas. He went to Amarillo High School in Potter County and attended the University of Texas at Austin for a year before moving to California.

Daughter remembers Ron as a mentor, leader, and hero

Kirsten Ely mentioned to Fox News Digital that those who knew her father referred to him as a hero, as well as an “actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man, and leader.”

“He generated a strong wave of positive influence wherever he went. The mark he left on others is something I’ve never seen in anyone else – he had a unique kind of magic,” Kirsten stated.

She also expressed that she is facing her grief with “the strength and grace he would have wanted for me,” while gathering the pieces of her heart that feel intertwined with him.

“My father’s journey was one of unwavering perseverance, constant commitment to those he loved, bravery to stand for what was right, and self-sacrifice to help others achieve their dreams,” she reflected. “His life was filled with joy and love – a gift everyone close to him was fortunate to experience. Knowing my father’s affection made the world a brighter, more valuable place.”

Tragic incident involving Ely’s son in 2019

In a tragic event, Ely’s second wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, aged 62, was fatally stabbed on October 15, 2019, by their 30-year-old son, Cameron Ely, at their home near Santa Barbara, as reported by police.

Authorities shot Cameron Ely after he advanced toward them, disobeying commands, resulting in him being hit by 24 rounds. Following this, officers discovered various items in his possession, including playing cards, small rocks, a car key fob, crumpled papers, a bank card, an iPhone, and a plastic bag containing cocaine, but no weapons. No charges were brought against the deputies involved.

A report from the district attorney stated that Cameron’s actions caused the deputies to fear for their safety after he claimed to have a gun shortly after the stabbing incident.

In October 2020, Ron Ely and his two daughters, Kirsten and Kaitland, initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against Santa Barbara County, the Sheriff’s Office, and the four deputies involved, citing civil-rights violations tied to the “unjustified use of deadly force and denial of medical aid, leading to the deaths of Cameron and Valerie Lundeen Ely.”

The lawsuit alleged that the shooting took place less than 20 seconds after Cameron was seen approaching with his hands up, which is recognized as a sign of surrender. It claimed that Cameron posed no threat, was unarmed and calm, asserting that there was no justification for the deputies to resort to lethal force.

This story has been revised due to an earlier inaccuracy.