Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier, who starred in the popular Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart,” has passed away. He was 53.
The actor died “suddenly at home” in Langley, British Columbia, on April 11, according to his obituary. No cause of death was given.
Pelletier had a recurring role in the beloved series as a taxi driver, and he also worked behind the scenes of “When Calls the Heart” as part of the show’s transportation department.
Martin Cummins, who stars as Henry Gowen in the Hallmark hit that has also included Lori Loughlin (Abigail Stanton), paid tribute to his late colleague in a touching Instagram post following the news of Pelletier’s passing.
“I just came back from a ride on the bike [transportation captain Gord Alyward] and Nate put together for the girls and I,” he wrote. “I’m taking shade in Mexico under the awning Nate helped me figure out in the woods near the old cabin.
“I have spent more hours at work sitting in the blue room, in silence or in conversation with Gord and Nate than I have standing on tape with the camera rolling,” Cummins continued. “Gord has always felt like a father figure to me, and Nate and I were his boys running around the town, hanging out in the woods and talking s–t.
“Life is constantly changing. Things are never the same. The Valley will not be the same without Nathaniel Pelletier,” the actor concluded. “He was a gentle soul and it was my honor to call him friend.”
Hallmark’s official “When Calls the Heart” Instagram page also paid an emotional tribute to Pelletier in the wake of his shocking death.
“The When Calls the Heart family is mourning the loss of a beloved family member, Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier,” the tribute began. “We know many Hearties also had the privilege of meeting Nate at the Hearties Family Reunion.”
“He loved interacting with the fans and he brought so much joy to the day. We’d love for you to share your memories in the comments below,” it continued. “We’re sending love to all who knew and loved him. He will be missed greatly.”
According to Pelletier’s obituary, he is survived by his daughter, brothers and parents.
The Post has reached out to Hallmark for additional comment.
The actor’s tragic death comes nearly one year after his “When Calls the Heart” co-star, Mamie Laverock, 20, almost died after falling five stories from a hospital balcony on May 11, 2024.
Laverock, who played Rosaleen Sullivan on the show, had been receiving intensive treatment in a Vancouver hospital for two weeks before the fall.
Her mother and stepfather said the young actress was “escorted out of a secure unit of the hospital and taken up to a balcony walkway from which she fell five stories.”
She “sustained life-threatening injuries,” had to undergo “multiple extensive surgeries,” and was ultimately placed “on life support” at a different hospital.
Laverock miraculously survived the shocking incident and was released from the hospital in August 2024.
“Dreams do come true,” her family wrote on Facebook at the time. “Welcome home Mamie.”
