Christopher Reeve dies at 52

This article is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from "'Superman' Star Christopher Reeve Dies at 52" by Chris Michaud of The Associated Press.

Actor Christopher Reeve, best known as the star of Superman, died Sunday, Oct. 10 from heart failure at the age of 52, according to The Associated Press.

Reeve had been in a coma since Saturday, after going into cardiac arrest Reeve's publicist told The Associated Press. He died at his home with his family by his side.

During the preceding week, Reeve had been treated at Northern Westchester Hospital for a pressure wound. The injury worsened, resulting in a systemic infection.

In 1995, Reeve was severely injured and paralyzed from the neck down by a riding accident. However, his optimistic attitude did not waver, according to The Associated Press. "I refuse to allow a disability to determine how I live my life," said Reeve in 2000.

In the years after the event, he emerged as a leading advocate for spinal cord research, lobbying Congress for increased social awareness. He also called for other actors to be more involved.

Reeve has also been a significant supporter of stem cell research. His name was recently mentioned during the second presidential debate by John Kerry.

"I also want to thank [Reeve's] personal staff of nurses and aides, as well as the millions of fans from around the world who have supported and loved my husband over the years," said Reeve's wife, Dana Reeve.

In addition to playing the title role in Superman movies, Reeve has participated in a variety of movies including Somewhere in Time, in 1980, Deathtrap, in 1982, and Rear Window, in 1998.