Award-winning director dies of heart attack as family 'devastated'

The director Justin Hardy died on Friday nightPierra Willix, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter and Paul McAuley Senior Life Reporter21:02, 01 Aug 2026Updated 21:07, 01 Aug 2026Director Justin Hardy, who had just completed a follow-up to his father Robin’s cult classic film The Wicker Man, has died aged 61. The filmmaker’s family said Hardy died on Friday night after suffering a heart attack.‌In a statement to the Press Association, they said: “Our family is devastated to share that Justin Hardy passed away last night. He was so full of life right to the end, and incredibly energised to be working towards premiering his latest film this month.‌“We are all so proud of him and heartbroken he won’t be with us at his premiere. He was a man of family, of boundless creativity, and o