Degrassi actor died in 2007

A bizarre news story has emerged from the US in which actor Neil Hope, best known as Derek “Wheels” Wheeler in Degrassi Junior High, died in 2007.

His death had not been publicly disclosed until now and sources say there had been little contact with the actor over the past several years.

Ex-fiance Christina Boulard said Hope’s family spent years trying to track him down after hearing rumours of his passing several years ago, but only learned last month from police in Hamilton, Ontario, that he had died.

The former star of the 1980s series died on Nov. 25, 2007, of “natural causes” at the age of 35. He was also diabetic.

Some reports note Degrassi producers “respected the privacy of the family by not saying anything until now,” adding that the “entire team is very emotional about his passing.”

Hope was one of Degrassi’s earliest stars, appearing as “Griff” on the first instalment, “The Kids of Degrassi Street,” in 1979.

On Degrassi Junior High, which ran from 1987 to 1991, he portrayed the troubled character Derek Wheeler — known as “Wheels” — who struggled with alcoholism. The actor was candid about his own difficult childhood growing up with alcoholic parents.

He later guest starred on Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001 and 2003, but details of his final years were scarce.

Source: Washington Post