Tragic Event Unfolds
June was a challenging month for Arizona, with temperatures soaring to record averages of 97 degrees. The intense heat proved too much for former ALF TV series star, Benji Gregory, who tragically passed away of presumed heatstroke at age 46. The actor was found dead inside his car, along with his service dog, in a Chase Bank parking lot.
Unkown Circumstances
Gregory had driven to the bank in Peoria, a city experiencing particularly brutal heat. Falling asleep in his vehicle, he and his service dog Hans both succumbed to the scorching Arizona weather. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, responsible for Phoenix and Peoria, has yet to release the definitive cause of his death.
Grim Heat-Related Fatalities
The unfortunate demise of Gregory and his pets adds to a growing number of heat-related deaths in the region last summer. So far, officials report 14 confirmed heat fatalities for the year in Maricopa County alone. Over 200 suspected incidents remain under review. This scenario underscores the dark side of climate change—and the often-underestimated dangers of extreme heat.
Gregory’s Health Struggles
Gregory’s sister, Rebecca, highlighted his struggle with health conditions, which may have exacerbated the circumstances. He battled intractable insomnia, a condition causing periods of sleeplessness stretching days, alongside bipolar disorder and depression.
Remembering Benji Gregory
Benji Gregory, born on May 26, 1978, stepped into the acting world at a tender age. Auditions started at age five, paving the way for his first role on the “Fantasy Island” episode. His youthful acting career also included roles on popular shows like “The Twilight Zone,” “T.J. Hooker,” “The A-Team,” and “Murphy Brown.”
Achieving Fame with ALF
From 1986 to 1990, Gregory shot to stardom by playing the middle son, Brian Tanner, in the hit TV series “Alf.” The series featured an extraterrestrial creature from planet Melmac, adding a comedic twist by crashing into the Tanners’ garage. During the show’s four-year run, Gregory appeared in 101 episodes.
Life Post Stardom
Following ALF’s conclusion, Gregory mostly retired from acting. However, he lent his voice to various animation projects. He pursued a film study at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Adding a surprising twist to his career, Gregory joined the U.S. Navy in 2004, serving as the Navy’s version of a meteorologist, an Aerographer’s Mate. He was honorably medically discharged the following year.
The sudden death of Benji Gregory leaves a treatable void within the acting community. It is indeed a tragic loss further highlighted by the extreme heat that played a part in it. It is a grim reminder for everyone to take necessary precautions during periods of intense heat, especially for those with health conditions.