parks
Sam Neill, star of ‘Jurassic Park,’ has died, family says
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 13, 2026
· 4 min read
Originally Published: 13 JUL 26 02:12 ET
Updated: 13 JUL 26 03:45 ET
By Lex Harvey, CNN
(CNN) — Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ died Monday in Sydney, Australia at age 78, his family said.
“It is with immense sadness that the...
Key takeaway “It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing,” said the statement posted to the actor’s Instagram page, using the Māori word for extended family or community.
Why this matters in The El Paso
While Sam Neill's passing may seem like a distant event to El Paso residents, his iconic role in "Jurassic Park" brings to mind the city's own connection to natural history and outdoor recreation. El Paso's Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site are popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The news of Neill's death serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of films like "Jurassic Park," which have inspired generations to explore and appreciate the natural world. As El Paso continues to develop its own parks and recreation infrastructure, the legacy of actors like Neill can be seen in the many locals who are passionate about conservation and outdoor education. The city's unique natural landscape and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal place to reflect on the impact of Neill's work and the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Originally Published: 13 JUL 26 02:12 ET
Updated: 13 JUL 26 03:45 ET
By Lex Harvey, CNN
(CNN) — Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ died Monday in Sydney, Australia at age 78, his family said.
“It is with immense sadness that the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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