Following the sudden death of Emilio Diaz, father of actress Cameron Diaz, the family has reached out to Access Hollywood through a rep, suggesting mourners donate to some of his favorite organizations in lieu of flowers.
A rep for the star said the Diaz family has suggested donations be made to Surfrider.org or Reefcheck.org in Emilio’s name instead of sending flowers.
Both organizations are non-profits, dedicated to oceanic conservation.
Surfrider is aimed at the “protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches,” according to their official Web site.
The Reef Check Foundation works on conservation of “two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs,” according to their Web site.
Emilio Diaz died on Tuesday due to pneumonia. He was 58.
Cameron released the following statement to Access Hollywood on Wednesday:
“My mom, sister and I are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this difficult time for us and all of our family. My dad was loved by so many people and his humor and spirit will always live on in our hearts.”
A second generation Cuban American, Emilio had a quick cameo as a jailbird in Cameron and Ben Stiller’s “There’s Something About Mary.”
But Emilio largely kept out of his daughter’s Hollywood spotlight, working as an oil company foreman.
Emilio was married to Cameron’s mother, Billie, for nearly 40 years.
Cameron talked about how her parents first met during a visit with Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show.”
“They met at the Sugar Shack up in Big Bear. They went dancing. My dad asked my mom’s friend to dance first, because he was trying to get closer to my mom. Then, he asked [my mom] to dance and nine months later, they were married,” Cameron told Jay.
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