‘Top Gun’ Star’s Disturbing Cause of Death Revealed

Daily Beast — Jun 12, 12:57 PM

Veteran actor James Handy, known for roles in films such as Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, died from a stab wound to the torso along with neck compression, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

The term “neck compression” refers to age-related changes in the cervical spine, where nerves in the neck become pinched or compressed due to gradual wear and degeneration.

Handy, 81, https://www.thedailybeast.com/police-say-top-gun-maverick-star-james-handy-81-killed-by-girlfriends-son/" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.thedailybeast.com/police-say-top-gun-maverick-star-james-handy-81-killed-by-girlfriends-son/">was found unconscious with a stab wound in the front yard of a residence in Los Angeles’s Tarzana neighborhood on June 3.

He was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.

Michael Gledhill, 44—the son of Wendy Gledhill, who had been in a relationship with Handy for more than 30 years—has been charged with murder after admitting responsibility for the killing.

Gledhill said her son had https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-gun-star-james-handys-girlfriend-shares-chilling-recollection-of-his-murder/" rel="" target="_self" title="https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-gun-star-james-handys-girlfriend-shares-chilling-recollection-of-his-murder/">stopped taking his schizophrenia medication a week earlier, though she said she does not know what triggered the altercation.

According to a police report, Michael called 911 and said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Michael had been living with his mother and Handy. “I was with James for 31 years and of course I loved him dearly,” Gledhill said. “This is so difficult.”

https://www.tmz.com/2026/06/12/top-gun-maverick-james-handy/">Read it at TMZ

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