Jahmil French, the Canadian actor best known for playing Dave Turner on Degrassi: The Next Generation has died. As of this writing, a cause of death has not been released. French was 29 at the time of his death.
News of Jahmil French’s death was confirmed today by his former Degrassi co-stars. Chloe Rose, who played the role of Katie Matlin on the show, took to Twitter to react to the news and express her condolences in a sweet post:
Still in shock. Jahmil will be missed. He was an integral part of the Degrassi family and certainly a huge part of my degrassi days. He always wanted to make people laugh and smile, a true joy to be around. Rest in Peace
Melinda Shankar, who played Jahmil French’s on-screen girlfriend Alli Bhandari further confirmed his death. She also took to social media with a heartfelt tribute:
So grateful for memories and deep convos with you, beautiful angel. Blessed that we got to be part of a big dysfunctional family together. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I just hope you knew how loved you were.
Degrassi: The Next Generation’s Annie Clark, who starred on the show as Fiona Coyne posted a tribute to Jahmil French on Instagram. In the sweet post, she lovingly remembered him as being “so full of energy” and “an absolute joy to be around”:
Heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jahmil French We started on Degrassi the same year and I’ll never forget the day I met him. Jahmil was so full of energy and absolute joy to be around. The video on the last slide is how I always think of him. He was such a special person and I’m so grateful for the memories we made. I still can’t believe it. Gone way too soon. He will be so missed by us a.l
Jahmil French joined the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation during the ninth season in 2009. His character Dave was established as a new student whose ultimate goal was to become popular and gain notice at Degrassi Community School. Like many students at the school, he engaged in several relationships, with the most notable one arguably being with Melinda Shankar’s Alli. French would remain on the teen drama until his Season 13 departure in 2013.
Following his stint on Degrassi, Jahmil French would star in a number of other shows. Some of his credits include Pop TV’s Let’s Get Physical and Netflix’s Soundtrack.
Jahmil French’s passing is a serious blow to the Degrassi family though, during this unfortunate time the show’s alums are coming together in a beautiful way. It’s nice to see them take the time to honor their former co-star.
We here at CinemaBlend extend our thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Jahmil French at this time.
