NCIS Star Michael Weatherly Shares Heartbreaking Family Tragedy – Fans in Shock
Michael Weatherly is mourning the loss of his father, Michael Manning Weatherly, Sr., who passed away last week. The NCIS actor shared the sad news on social media, offering a heartfelt tribute to his dad, who was a former Second Lieutenant in the US Army and played a significant role in popularizing the Swiss Army Knife in the United States during the 1970s and 80s.
Michael, 56, posted a nostalgic photo of himself smiling with his father and wrote: “My father Michael Manning Weatherly passed away last Thursday, leaving behind many loved ones who will miss him dearly. A great friend to me in my adult years, Dad lived a life filled with adventure and humor. He and my mom brought the Swiss Army Knife to great success in the 70s and 80s. If you ever used one, I know he’d thank you.”
He continued with an obituary-style tribute: “Michael Manning, born in 1932 to Gladys Manning and Robert Stone Weatherly, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024, in Connecticut. Mike attended St. Louis Country Day ’50 and Princeton University ’54. After serving as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army for two years, he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1958. Mike began his career at Dancer Fitzgerald Sample before leading companies that explored for oil in the Maldives (where he survived a boat explosion) and imported lumber from Honduras (during a revolution). He made his mark with The Forschner Group, successfully importing the iconic Swiss Army Knife throughout the 70s and 80s.”
Michael went on to share that his father was a devoted husband to his wife of nearly 40 years, Ellis, and a loving father to Elizabeth, Leigh, Michael, and the late William. He also leaves behind stepchildren Chris, Lisa, and Cornelia, as well as 12 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eloise, his second wife, Patricia, and his stepdaughter Nan.
Reflecting on his father’s love for Jamaica, Michael added: “Mike loved his home at Tryall in Jamaica and spent many years there. Often found in his chair under the Sea Almond trees, cigar in hand, and sharing great stories with friends, he was asked in recent years if there was anything he’d like to do. With a characteristic twinkle in his eye, he replied, ‘I’ve done it all.’ May he rest in peace.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section with messages of condolence, with one person writing, “I am so sorry for your loss. I know your pain, for I have lost both of my parents. Sending you lots of love.” Another added, “So very sorry for your loss. Sounds like your dad had a life of great adventure, sort of like a character in a movie. Praying for you and your family to find peace in this time of loss.”
Michael, who is one of six siblings, tends to keep his family life private, but he occasionally shares glimpses into his home life with his wife, Bojana Jankovic, and their two children, Olivia and Liam. In February, he shared a beautiful photo of himself, Bojana, and Olivia in front of a sunset, captioning it, “Welcoming the beauty of a winter’s evening and enjoying the love!”
Michael is also a father to 28-year-old son August, from his previous marriage to Amelia Heinle.
