“Saved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond had been “ignoring” a lump in his neck before he was diagnosed with cancer, his manager said following the actor’s death.
The manager, Roger Paul, told People that Diamond was “feeling out of sorts” ahead of his diagnosis.
“He was afraid of the public attention if he went into the hospital,” Paul said. “But finally, his girlfriend took him and the doctors confirmed it was cancer.”
Diamond, who was 44, had reportedly been dating Tash Jules for a year. She was with him at the time of his death, Paul told People.
Diamond, who played Screech on “Saved by the Bell,” was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell carcinoma last month.
“In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution,” his spokesman said Monday in a statement.
“Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.”
Diamond had started chemotherapy after being hospitalized in Florida.
