'Porky's' actor Wyatt Knight, 56, is dead

KULA, Hawaii -- Wyatt Knight, who starred in the 1980s "Porky's" films, shot himself to death in Hawaii, police and his family said. He was 56.

A family statement Friday said the actor chose to end his life after suffering with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which was in stage 4. He underwent radiation treatments that left him in "physical and emotional pain," and had a bone marrow transplant in 2003.

"He was tired of the pain and after much contemplation, chose to end his life in a beautiful and a serene place," the statement said. "His family and friends are devastated. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed every day."

Maui police Lt. Wayne Ibarra said Knight's body was found Oct. 26 in the upcountry region. An autopsy determined Knight died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Knight's most well-known role was as Tommy Turner in the "Porky's" comedy trilogy about the escapades of sex-crazed teenagers at fictional Angel Beach High School in Florida in 1954.

"Wyatt was an incredibly talented, intelligent and loving person . . . He is free and at peace," the family's statement said.

Knight lived in Los Angeles but had been staying in Kula for several months. He is survived by his wife, Silvina, and two children from a previous marriage.

The family did not provide any information about memorial services. -- AP