The actor’s rep confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE: “We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma. He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.” It was revealed last month that Diamond had stage 4 cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Following news of Diamond’s death on Feb. 1, Mario Lopez paid tribute to his former Saved by the Bell costar on Instagram. Alongside a photo of him and Diamond, Lopez penned, “Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on…” Tiffani Thiessen, who played Kelly Kapowski, also remembered Diamond with a moving post. “I am deeply saddened by I the news of my old co-star @realdustindiamond passing,” she captioned a photo of Diamond. She added, “Life is extremely fragile and it’s something we should never take for granted. God speed Dustin.” Meanwhile, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, portrayed Zack Morris, tweeted, “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dustin Diamond, a true comedic genius. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Looking back at our time working together, I will miss those raw, brilliant sparks that only he was able to produce. A pie in your face, my comrade.” Next, 9 ways to support a friend through cancer.
