Understanding Val Kilmer’s cause of death: Did his cancer treatment increase his pneumonia risk? – The Times of India

Val Kilmer, the iconic actor known for his roles as Jim Morrison in The Doors and as Batman in Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia.
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, and was marked by his charismatic and versatile performances in both lead as well as supporting roles, from Top Gun to Tombstone.
His struggles with throat cancer post his diagnosis in 2014, slowed down, but not halted his acting journey. In 2019, he appeared in ‘Jay and Silent Bob Reboot’. He made an emotional comeback in 2022 with his role as Iceman in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, collaborating with Tom Cruise after 36 years. His body of work also included the documentary Val (2021), which reflected on his life and career.

Understanding Val Kilmer’s cause of death

The actor’s daughter informed that the cause of his death was pneumonia. Let’s understand what may have raise his risk of the lung infection.

Pneumonia, a lung infection, can affect one of both lungs and may cause inflammation of air sacs which can lead to a fluid or pus build up. The symptoms may manifest as cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The disease can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Pneumonia can be mild or serious and for some people it could be life-threatening. For infants, young children, people above 65, or those with weakened immune systems, it could turn serious and may require hospitalisation.
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and his battle with the disease lasted for six years. While he was declared cancer-free, survivors may be at increased risk of certain diseases. Kilmer’s treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and tracheostomy – which is done to create an artificial hole in the neck to support breathing, may have taken a toll on his health.
These treatments can affect immune system, making cancer survivors more prone to infections like pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia

According to American Lung Association, the signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus
Fever, sweating and shaking chills
Shortness of breath
Rapid, shallow breathing
Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
Nausea and vomiting, especially in small children
Confusion, especially in older people

Pneumonia due to health conditions

Certain health conditions can make you more susceptible to pneumonia. Chronic lung diseases such as COPD, bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis can make the lungs more vulnerable. Heart disease, diabetes and sickle cell disease can also increase your pneumonia risk.
A weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDs, an organ transplant, chemotherapy or long-term steroid use is a major culprit.

Certain conditions like stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions which makes swallowing challenging can lead to entry of food, vomit or saliva into the lungs which can become infected.