Actor Ron Ely, best known for starring in the 1960s Tarzan TV series, has died at 86. His final years were marked by tragedy, following the 2019 death of his second wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, who was fatally stabbed by their son, Cameron Ely, at their Santa Barbara home. Cameron, 30, was then shot and killed by responding deputies.
Ron and Valerie, married for 35 years, had three children: Kirsten, Kaitland, and Cameron. Valerie, a former flight attendant, won Miss Airline International in 1980 and Miss Florida USA in 1981. Ron had connections to pageants as well, hosting Miss America in 1980 and 1981.
Valerie’s death led Ron to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, claiming Cameron was surrendering when he was shot. Ron retired from acting in 2001, with a brief return in 2014 for the TV movie Expecting Amish.
