CBS News
“Harry Potter” actor Warwick Davis mourns death of his wife, who appeared with him in franchise’s final film
Warwick Davis, the actor who portrayed beloved Professor Flitwick in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, is mourning the death of his wife and colleague Samantha Davis, who acted alongside him in the series and more. Samantha Davis, her husband’s “favorite human,” died at the age of 53 on March 24, CBS News partner BBC reported.
In a statement released by Lucasfilm Ltd., Warwick Davis said his wife was his “most trusted confidante” and that her passing “left a huge hole in our lives as a family.”
“I miss her hugs. She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life. She had a wicked sense of humor and always laughed at my bad jokes,” he said. “…She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear.”
The couple met on the set of the movie “Willow” in 1988 and were married three years later. They’ve worked together on several projects over the years, including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” in which she played a goblin.
“She instilled such confidence in me. With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything. It was like having a super-power,” Warwick Davis said. “Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable Quiz show, no ‘Willow’ series. No ‘Idiot Abroad Series 3.'”
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
The couple also founded the charity Little People UK in 2012 to serve as a resource to those with dwarfism. In a statement, the charity announced her death on Thursday, saying, “Her passion for supporting members of the community was unmatched.”
“We know this is going to be a huge loss to everyone and we want you to know we will be here to support,” the charity posted on social media.
Lucasfilm Ltd., the production company responsible for “Willow” and “Star Wars,” the latter of which Warwick Davis also acted in, said that Samantha was “a beloved member of the Lucasfilm community.”
CBS News has not confirmed her cause of death. Warwick Davis said that his wife’s mobility became impaired in recent years, although “she was determined that it would not impact her quality of life and limit what she did and was able to achieve.”
“Although the pain of losing Sammy and being without her is unbearable, I feel so fortunate I was able to be close to her and experience her magic for 35 years,” he said.
The couple’s children, Annabelle and Harrison Davis, also released a statement, calling their mom “the kindest, most inspirational and loving Mumma we could of wished for.”
“No matter the time or place she was there to answer our silly questions, tell us what to do, and to listen when we needed,” they said. “…Her love and happiness has carried us through our whole lives, and will be what carries us forward now. Everything we do, we do for her.”
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CBS News
$100 million in federal funds released for North Carolina to rebuild roads, bridges damaged by Helene
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation released $100 million in emergency funds on Saturday for North Carolina to rebuild its roads and bridges damaged by Helene.
“We are providing this initial round of funding so there’s no delay getting roads repaired and reopened, and re-establishing critical routes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “The Biden-Harris administration will be with North Carolina every step of the way, and today’s emergency funding to help get transportation networks back up and running safely will be followed by additional federal resources.”
The storm caused rampant flooding that has devastated several towns and killed more than 225 people – with CBS News confirming at least 114 people killed in North Carolina. There was more than 8 inches of rain across the western North Carolina mountains, with some areas seeing more than a foot.
Hundreds of roads across Western North Carolina remain closed, leading to an increase in air traffic as teams scour the region for survivors by air. Air traffic over Western North Carolina has increased by 300% due to relief efforts since the storm cleared, the Federal Aviation Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Mudslides blocked Interstate 40 and other highways in North Carolina and about 400 roads were closed due to damage from Helene. Interstate 40 was damaged at several locations, the Department of Transportation said.
President Biden visited the Carolinas on Wednesday, surveying the flood damage by air from Greenville, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. Mr. Biden announced the federal government would cover “100%” of all debris removal and emergency protective measure costs in North Carolina for six months.
The Department of Transportation said these relief funds will allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation to act more quickly to fund eligible repairs to their damaged facilities.
Li Cohen and
contributed to this report.
CBS News
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf; forecast to strengthen into hurricane headed toward Florida
Tropical Storm Milton has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane headed toward Florida with possible impacts to its western coast, the National Hurricane Center said on Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be at 40 mph with higher gusts and Milton is currently moving north-northeast, NHC said in an advisory.
Milton is forecast to undergo a period of rapid intensification before it makes landfall as a Category 2 hurricane across Florida’s west coast, CBS News Miami reported.
The forecast comes a little more than a week after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and across the Southeast, killing more than 200 people and causing immense destruction. President Biden on Thursday took an aerial tour of Florida’s Big Bend where Helene struck as a Category 4 storm. Hundreds of people are still missing and Mr. Biden said the work to rebuild will cost “billions of dollars” as communities suffer still without power, running water and passable roads.
NOAA
Milton is forecast to move across the southwestern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night then across the south-central Gulf on Monday and Tuesday before reaching Florida’s west coast by the middle of the week, NHC said. Heavy rain is possible in the region starting Sunday into Monday, CBS Miami reported, and more rain and heavy winds will most likely arrive on Wednesday. Hurricane and storm surge watches will most likely be required for portions of Florida starting Sunday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Along with the heavy rainfall, the hurricane center said to expect risks of flooding.
Residents in the area should ensure they have a hurricane plan in place, the National Hurricane Center said, follow the advice of local officials and check back for forecast updates.
