When Calls The Heart Cast Loses One Of Their Own

The When Calls The Heart cast is mourning the loss of one of their own.  After a lengthy battle with ALS, WCTH director Neill Fearnley reportedly passed away on July 13 2024.  Keep reading for all the details.

Hallmark Channel took to Instagram and shared an official statement confirming that Neill Fearnley had sadly passed away earlier this week.

Hallmark Channel Confirms When Calls The Heart Death

Hallmark’s statement read, “Hearties, it’s with profound heavy hearts today that we bid farewell to When Calls the Heart director Neill Fearnley, who passed away on July 13 after a long fight with ALS.

Neill was vital to making When Calls the Heart the beloved show it is today, and he will be sorely missed by the entire Heartie community and everyone who had the honor of knowing him.”

If you follow the When Calls The Heart cast on social media, then you most likely are familiar with Neill and you know he spent a lot of time with the crew. 

Fan favorite Erin Krakow (Elizabeth Hatcher) was especially close to the WCTH director and devastated by his loss.

Krakow shared an emotional tribute on her social media page and ended it with these words, “I wish we’d had more time together. It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone. But Neill’s memory will remain in my heart. And I’ll care twice as big in his honor.”

What Does This Mean For When Calls The Heart

It’s unclear how or if Neill Fearnley’s death will affect the future of When Calls The Heart or its spinoff series.  But, Neill was very hands-on and involved with the series. 

There’s a chance that not having him behind the scenes could affect the Hallmark series in the long run, and what directions they go with certain characters or storylines.

Were you a fan of Fearnley’s work on When Calls The Heart?  Are you sad to see him go?  Let us know in the comments below and keep checking back here on Soap Opera Spy for more WCTH news and spoilers.