By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Officials with the World’s Biggest Fish Fry are remembering the late Verne Troyer, who was the Grand Marshal of the Fish Fry Grand Parade in 2013.
In addition to serving as Grand Marshal at the Friday parade, Troyer spent time at the Fish Tent the night before, making himself available for autographs and photographs with everyone at the fish fry that night.
Fish Fry officials said in a Facebook post, “As the 65th Annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry week officially kicks off, we would like to take a moment to mourn the loss of our 2013 Grand Marshal – Verne J Troyer. May we keep his family and friends in our prayers! The joy he brought to our community will never be forgotten.”
As we reported Saturday night, Troyer died Saturday at the age of 49. He was the diminutive actor who rose to fame as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series.
The actor’s family confirmed his death. “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today,” they said.
The cause of death was not disclosed, but the family wrote that he had struggled with adversity in his life. “Over the years, he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately, this time was too much…Depression and suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another.”
Troyer suffered from achondroplasia dwarfism which caused him to stop growing at 2’8”.
Photo of Troyer at the Fish Fry by Stephanie Cooper.
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