Val Kilmer Was Set to Make Public Appearance Hours Before His Death – E! Online

Val Kilmer was planning a night out before fate took hold.

The Batman star, who died April 1 at age 65, was expected to make an appearance at the opening night of the Beverly Hills Film Festival on the evening of his passing, according to event organizers.

“It was a shock to find this out,” festival founder and president Nino Simone said in a statement obtained by E! News April 2. “We had just confirmed Val to attend the west coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend.”

Simone—who noted the actor was “thrilled” to come out and support friend Michael Madsen—went on to say he learned of Kilmer’s passing as the festival’s PR team was anticipating his arrival on the red carpet.

“The story and news of his death were reported literally at the same exact time,” he continued. “Unbelievable, and so heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to his family.”