MANTEO, N.C. – UNC President Bill Friday says beloved television star Andy Griffith died in North Carolina Tuesday.
Emergency medical crews responded to Griffith’s home Tuesday morning, Dare County Sheriff J.D. “Doug” Doughtie told WAVY.com .
Griffith’s home is located along Highway 64 in Roanoke Island.
Friday, a close friend of Griffith’s, confirmed his death to WITN. He said Griffith’s secretary called him Tuesday morning and said Griffith passed away at 7 a.m.
Officials have not confirmed the cause of Griffith’s death.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Andy Griffith, a true legend,” North Carolina Lt. Governor Walter Dalton said. “I have been a longtime fan and it was my pleasure to come to know him. Andy Griffith was not only an icon for North Carolina, but he was a genuine person and a true gentleman. Lucille and I send our thoughts and prayers to Cindi and the entire Griffith family.”
Andy Griffith, 86, was well known for his starring role on the television hit named after him, “The Andy Griffith Show”, which first aired in 1960. Griffith portrayed a small-town sheriff and the show was one of the most popular series in television history.
(WAVY-TV)
