Supermanactor Christopher Reeve has died at the age of 52.
The paralysed film actor died yesterday after suffering a heart attack on Saturday and going into a coma.
Reeve was being treated at Northern Westchester Hospital for a pressure wound that he developed, a common complication for people living with paralysis.
In the past week the wound had become severely infected, resulting in a serious systemic infection. He died of heart failure.
The actor suffered multiple injuries including two shattered neck vertebrae when he was thrown from his horse at an equestrian event in 1995.
Dana Reeve, Christopher's wife, said in a statement today: "On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank Northern Westchester Hospital for the excellent care they provided to my husband,"
"I also want to thank his personal staff of nurses and aides, as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years."
Reeve was a virtual unknown before he shot to super-stardom in the 1978 blockbuster Superman.
The movie's producers were looking for an unknown actor to star in the title role alongside Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman. Reeve screen-tested for the role and, through meticulous preparation and close physical resemblance to the comic-strip hero, was given the part.
The film and its three sequels turned Reeve into a worldwide star and grossed $300 million.