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2004 Movie News Archives

October 12, 2004: Christopher Reeve Memorial Service

The Reeve Family commemorated Christopher's death in a small ceremony at the family's New York home today. The ceremony, held at 3 p.m. today, was officiated by a Unitarian Universalist Minister. One hundred family members and close friends attended the service.

"The Reeve family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support shown to them," said Wesley Combs, spokesperson for the Reeve family. "It is clear that Christopher Reeve has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world and that is the legacy he leaves behind. That is a great comfort to the family at this difficult time," added Combs.

Plans for a larger memorial service are being arranged but are not yet finalized. The family intends to have a decision about the nature of that memorial by early next week. Until that time, the family asks that their privacy be respected.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, Reeve fell into a coma after going into cardiac arrest while at home. Reeve was being treated for an infection caused by a pressure wound. In the past week, the infection had become systemic, which contributed to his heart failure. He died at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York.

As Dana Reeve stated in a release that went out early Monday morning, "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."

For those who care to do so, the family has requested that donations rather than flowers be made in his honor to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Cards may be sent to the family in care of the Foundation at 500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

An additional announcement will be issued once the decision on a memorial is finalized.