Raphael Coleman’s mother has shared a statement after the Nanny McPheestar died aged 25.
Coleman, best-known for playing Eric opposite Emma Thompson and Colin Firth in the popular children’s film, died suddenly on Friday 7 February.
In a statement to The Sun, his mother Liz Jensen said she was “heartbroken” and living “every parent’s worst nightmare”, but was “so proud” of her son.
“We are heartbroken, but so proud of him and his work to protect our heaven on earth,” she wrote, referring to Coleman’s work as an environmental activist.
“He inspired so many people and was so loved. He was beautiful and wise and it’s hard to imagine how life will continue. But it must and will – and he’d want that.”
She concluded: “We were so lucky to have him, he brought such joy. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Jensen had earlier confirmed reports of her son’s death on Twitter, writing: “Rest in peace my beloved son Raphael Coleman, aka Iggy Fox. He died doing what he loved, working for the noblest cause of all. His family could not be prouder. Let’s celebrate all he achieved in his short life and cherish his legacy.”
Coleman’s step-father, Carsten Jensen, said the star “collapsed without prior health problems” in a message he shared to Facebook.
“I guess there’s nothing that makes you see death as unfair and meaningless as when a young person dies. It’s life itself that’s sabotaged,” he wrote.
“It just happened to my wife, Liz, whose youngest son, Raph of only 25, died last Friday. He collapsed without prior health problems in the middle of a trip and could not be restored.
He continued: “I got to know Raph when he was six years old, and we were so close. I will never forget you, we say in a farewell greeting to the dead. But when it’s your own child, it’s your genes, your whole body, something greater than the word I who forever refuse to accept the judgment of death.”
Following his performance in 2005’s Nanny McPhee, Coleman went on to star in It’s Alive in 2009, as well as in The Fourth Kind and Edward’s Turmoil.
Upon hearing the news of his death, Coleman’s Nanny McPhee co-star Eliza Bennett tweeted: “I was so heartbroken to hear about Raphael (now James Iggy).
“After we worked on Nanny McPhee, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and fighting climate change. I’m honoured to have crossed paths with him and my heart is with his family in this dark time.”
