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Tinky Winky Actor From 'Teletubbies' Froze To Death Alone After His Birthday
More tragic news form the family of the actor of beloved children's show, The Teletubbies, as the circumstances of his death were revealed.
Simon Shelton Barnes, who famously played one of the four colorful characters on the hit children's TV show, was recently found dead in suspicious circumstances early this week.
Barnes was notable for playing Tinky Winky, the purple Teletubby that so many kids grew up watching.
His family were devastated when they found out about his passing, especially since he had turned 52-years-old only 4 days earlier.
The father of three received an outpouring of tributes, from fans and fellow cast members alike, but it was the heartbroken messages from his family that really hit close to home.
“I always used to be embarrassed as a child that he was a dancer and an actor but now I couldn’t be more proud!" said his son, Henry. "He is in a better place now and I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad, so I’m going to live my life the way he would want me to.”
While the grieving process has begun for the family, police are still investigating the mysterious nature in which Barnes had died.
It isn't the way anyone would want to go.
No one understands quite what happened that fateful evening, or why Barnes was wandering the streets alone at night.
However, the local police department has released more information surrounding the details of his passing.
The actor from the famous four-member cast was found dead in the streets after succumbing to hypothermia early Wednesday morning.
While the authorities say there doesn't appear to be anything criminally suspicious in the nature of his death, the coroner presiding over the case has ordered a toxicology report to help determine cause of death.
Former costars from The Teletubbies have posted messages of endearment for their friend.
“Lots of messaging between cast and crew as we became a tight bunch over six years on location," says John Simmit, who played the green 'Dipsy' role. "We'll give him an appropriate send off in a couple of weeks.”