Louis Zamperini, local war hero and Olympian, dies at 97
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Louis Zamperini, a local military hero and Olympian who was chosen to be the grand marshal for the 2015 Rose Parade, has died.
Zamperini's family said he died from pneumonia on Wednesday at the age of 97.
"After a 40-day long battle for his life, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his entire family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives. His indomitable courage and fighting spirit were never more apparent than in these last days," his family said in a statement.
Zamperini survived repeated torture for two years as a prisoner of war held by the Japanese during WWII. Before his military service, Zamperini was a member of the 1936 U.S. Olympic track team. He was also a track star at Torrance High School.
Zamperini eventually became an inspirational speaker, preaching the power of forgiveness.
In May, Zamperini was chosen to be the grand marshal of next year's Rose Parade because of his accomplishments and contributions to a grateful nation.
Rose Parade officials issued a statement that read, in part, "We will remember and honor the courage and grace that made Louis who he was...Louis Zamperini was and will continue to be the embodiment of the 2015 Tournament of Roses theme 'Inspiring Stories.'"
Angelina Jolie directed a movie about Zamperini's life called "Unbroken," which is set to be released by Universal Pictures in December.
Jolie said the loss was "impossible to describe."
"We are all so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him," she said in a statement. "We will miss him terribly."
Zamperini's wife, Cynthia Applewhite, whom he married in 1946, died in 2001. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia, his son Luke and his grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
