Creator of ‘Air Bud,’ Kevin DiCicco, Passes Away at 63 After Health Struggles

Kevin DiCicco has passed away at the age of 63 in San Diego – over one year after revealing he was homeless and battling major health issues. 

The Air Bud creator’s death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother Mark, who told the outlet that DiCicco passed away on Saturday, March 21 following time in hospice. 

He had reportedly been a heavy smoker and developed advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The condition causes ‘swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways that limit airflow into and out of the lungs,’ per Mayo Clinic. 

Earlier this month, DiCicco was also hospitalized and gave an update on a GoFundMe page initially launched in 2024 to share that he had been on ‘a stretch of breathing treatments, tests, and antibiotics.’ 

DiCicco notably came across a stray dog near his cabin in Yosemite – who he named Buddy – and trained the pup in sports such as basketball and soccer. 

Kevin DiCicco has passed away at the age of 63 in San Diego – over one year after revealing he was homeless and battling major health issues

DiCicco and Buddy first gained recognition after the dog appeared on America’s Funniest Home Videos. 

The Golden Retriever also made an appearance on Late Night With David Letterman to further showcase his skills. 

Buddy then stepped into the world of Hollywood by starring in the 1997 Disney film Air Bud. 

A sequel was released the following year and spawned a franchise of projects such as Air Bud: Spikes Back (2003) and Air Buddies (2006). 

The dog additionally was recognized at the Kids’ Choice Awards in 1998 where he was nominated for Favorite Animal Star. 

Buddy passed away later that year at the age of nine due to complications of cancer. 

Back in November 2024, DiCicco – who earned 11 credits for his creative contributions to the Air Bud franchise – revealed that he was dealing with homelessness and battling major health issues. 

He told TMZ at the time that he had been residing at a shelter in San Diego but would be soon on the streets due to reaching the 90 days he was permitted to stay there. 

Buddy then stepped into the world of Hollywood by starring in the 1997 Disney film Air Bud (seen above) 

The Air Bud creator’s death was confirmed to TMZ by his brother Mark, who told the outlet that DiCicco passed away on Saturday, March 21 following time in hospice; seen in 1997 

DiCicco admitted he was ‘terrified’ over the prospect of not having shelter while also dealing with health battles – including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He had attributed his COPD diagnosis to his marijuana use. 

Following his bankruptcy, DiCicco battled depression and smoked marijuana to help –  but did not use any other substances. 

Close friends then launched a GoFundMe page – which has since been taken down – to help raise funds for DiCicco. 

A statement from the late star at the time read: ‘It is extremely heartfelt that people I’ve never met would donate to my cause. Many, many thanks again for your support. Your gesture is greatly appreciated.’ 

DiCicco previously told Fox 5 San Diego that financial arrangements when it came to the Air Bud franchise were ‘cleverly crafted to make sure that these films don’t really ever receive the big money. 

‘That’s why we now find ourselves in a position of instead of enjoying those twilight years and sliding into retirement, we’re almost having to start over.’ 

Last year, DiCicco revealed that he had been hospitalized for weeks due to a battle with severe pneumonia. 

DiCicco admitted he was ‘terrified’ over the prospect of not having shelter while also dealing with health battles – including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)