Following the death last Friday (08) of Ryan O'Neal, a Hollywood star known for his role in “Love History”, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola paid tribute on his Instagram.
The Coppola and O'Neal families shared a tragic chapter in the 1980s when there was a boating accident that killed one of the Godfather director's children and one of the Love Story star's children held criminally responsible.
The news was confirmed by Patrick, one of O'Neal's four children, via social media. “This is the hardest thing I've ever had to say, but here we go. “My father passed away peacefully today with his loving team by his side, providing him with support and love just as he wanted,” he wrote.
2 of 4 Actor Ryan O'Neal in 2014 Photo: Getty Images Actor Ryan O'Neal in 2014 Photo: Getty Images
In addition to the Arthur Hillerdirected film starring Ali MacGraw, O'Neal distinguished himself by working with other renowned filmmakers such as Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Attenborough, Stanley Kubrick and Walter Hill.
In his farewell, Coppola praised some of these productions, saying: “Ryan O'Neal has passed away and deserves praise for his great work on 'Barry Lyndon,' 'What's Up, Doc?' and 'Paper Moon'”.
3 of 4 Ryan O'Neal and his daughter Tatum O'neal in the film “Paper Moon” Photo: Reproduction Ryan O'Neal and his daughter Tatum O'neal in the film “Paper Moon” Photo: Reproduction
However, the technical part was not the main focus of the message. Coppola and O'Neal had a personal relationship marked by grief.
In 1986, Ryan and Francis' sons, Griffin O'Neal and GianCarlo Coppola, went on a boat trip. They met while working on the set of Stone Gardens.
4 of 4 Francis Ford Coppola with Roman Coppola and GianCarlo Coppola in January 1986 Photo: Getty Francis Ford Coppola with Roman Coppola and GianCarlo Coppola in January 1986 Photo: Getty
Griffin was responsible for renting and piloting the vessel over the weekend. At one point he tried to pass two other boats that were going slower, but didn't realize one was being pulled by the other.
The ship was hit by the rope connecting the other two vehicles. Griffin escaped the impact without serious injury, while GianCarlo suffered a head injury, did not survive and died at the age of 22.
Initially, Griffin claimed that GianCarlo was the driver, but later admitted that he was in charge. He was found guilty of negligent navigation of the boat and received a $200 fine and a suspended prison sentence of 18 months.
Coppola doesn't seem to hold any grudges over the accident. “Our families have been brought together by a tragedy that is another expression of love. Rest in peace,” he concluded in his tribute.