Former pageant queen, model and reality star Shanna Moakler has had a year filled with tragedy. In January 2023, Moakler’s mother Gail died at age 77. At the time, Moakler told PEOPLE, “she was my best friend and I will miss her every day of my life.”
Now, there’s even more sad news for Moakler. Just seven months after her mother’s death, Moakler’s father has also died. Moakler announced the sad news on Instagram. Alongside a series of photos of her late father, John W. Moakler III, Moakler wrote, “It’s with great sadness to share the passing of my dad, the only solace is knowing he is with my beautiful mother.”
Moakler went on to praise her father for being “an amazing husband, doctor and father.” She shared, “I will hold tight to the incredible life both my parents provided for me and the love and strength they instilled in me. The unwavering support at times when I didn’t deserve it.”
Moakler continued the sad announcement by writing directly to her father. She wrote, “I love you dad and my world will never be the same without you in it.” Then she ended the post by thanking everyone who has reached out to her and “sent messages of support.”
According to sources who spoke to PEOPLE, Moakler’s father had been suffering from health problems for the past couple years. In 2021, sources say he “had a stroke” which resulted in a hospital stay in the intensive care unit. Beyond the stroke, the source claims that he “has COVID on top of that, and doctors have told them he will never walk again.” The source described Moakler as “distraught” at the news of her father’s health.
A cause of death has not been released at this time. It may or may not be related to his previous stroke.
Rest in peace.
