(Rightallegiance.com) – Dayle Haddon, a celebrated Canadian actress, model, and author, has tragically passed away at the age of 76. The Solebury Township Police Department confirmed that her death was likely caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident occurred on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania.
Police responded to a 911 call around 6:31 a.m. regarding an unconscious man in a detached office or in-law suite on the property. Emergency responders discovered Haddon unresponsive in bed on the second floor of the building. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Walter Blucas, a 76-year-old man also found on the premises, was removed from the building by the New Hope Lambertville Rescue Squad. He was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
According to a police report, the high levels of carbon monoxide detected at the scene were traced to a malfunctioning flue and exhaust pipe in the gas heating system. The Bucks County Coroner’s Office has classified the cause and manner of death as “Pending Toxicology” until further testing is completed.
The property, owned by Haddon’s daughter Ryan and her husband, actor Marc Blucas, became a grim reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Two medics who responded to the emergency were treated for exposure at Doylestown Hospital, while a Solebury Township police officer was treated on-site.
A Storied Life
Born on May 26, 1948, in Canada, Dayle Haddon’s life was marked by exceptional accomplishments. At 13, she joined the prestigious Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and, by 18, held the title of Miss Montreal. She went on to become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, gracing the covers of iconic magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Cosmopolitan.
Haddon’s influence extended beyond modeling. She broke barriers by securing contracts with top-tier cosmetic brands, including Revlon, Max Factor, Estée Lauder, and L’Oréal. In 1973, she made history as the cover model of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Her acting career included starring roles in films such as Disney’s The World’s Greatest Athlete and North Dallas Forty alongside Nick Nolte. Additionally, Haddon authored books including Ageless Beauty and The 5 Principles of Ageless Living, focusing on embracing aging with grace and vitality.
A Mother’s Legacy
Ryan Haddon, Dayle’s daughter, paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother on Instagram, describing her as “a woman in her power, yet soft and attentive to all.” Ryan shared a collection of photos featuring her mother’s magazine covers and her work as a UNICEF ambassador.
Ryan’s emotional message read, in part: “The bright light that is Dayle has dimmed in this Earthly realm. Shining somewhere as radiantly as ever where it’s most needed, I have no doubt. A pure heart. A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom.”
A Tragic Reminder
Authorities underscored the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the importance of carbon monoxide safety. Regular inspections of heating systems and carbon monoxide detectors are vital to preventing such heartbreaking incidents.
Dayle Haddon’s life, filled with beauty, creativity, and compassion, left an indelible mark on the fashion, film, and humanitarian worlds. Her legacy as a trailblazer and an advocate for women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations.