Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman is grateful that his beloved Beth Chapman was in fans’ prayers right until the end.
The Dog The Bounty Hunter star died on Wednesday in Hawaii, aged just 51, five days after being placed in a medically-induced coma during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
Now, her family – who gathered around her at her bedside in the intensive care unit of Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, before her death – have sent their thanks for the continued support.
In a statement, a family spokesperson said: ‘Duane and the Chapman Ohana [family] send their love and a sincere mahalo [thank you] to everyone who prayed for Beth throughout this journey.’
Dog continued to ask for prayers for his beloved Beth’s recovery while she was in hospital last week.
She was praised as a ‘fiercely loyal’ family woman in a statement released by WGN America, the network that broadcast Dog and Beth’s show, Dog’s Most Wanted.
Expressing their condolences, the broadcaster said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that Beth Chapman lost her battle with cancer today.
‘She was an exceptional woman, fiercely loyal and passionate about her family and she was a true joy to work with. All of us at WGN America will miss her tremendously.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Duane, her family, loved ones and millions of fans.’
Dog revealed the tragic news of Beth’s passing on Twitter on Wednesday.
He wrote: ‘It’s 5:32 in Hawaii, this is the time she would wake up to go hike Koko Head mountain. Only today, she hiked the stairway to heaven. We all love you, Beth. See you on the other side.’
The Dog & Beth: On the Hunt star underwent successful throat cancer surgery in 2017 but last year was told the disease had returned and underwent emergency surgery to remove a tumour in November.
She was hospitalised in April due to fluid accumulation in her longs and underwent an operation in the same month to relieve pressure.
MORE: ITV’s Beecham House under fire from animal cruelty campaigners for using captive elephants
MORE: Emma Stone actually slipped on the floor at home, didn’t ‘break shoulder’ at Spice Girls gig
