Russell Crowe announced the heartbreaking news of his pet’s death (Picture: Russell Crowe)

Russell Crowe has been left devastated after his puppy Louis was hit by a truck and died in his arms on the second anniversary of his father’s death.

The Pope’s Exorcist actor shared a photo of the dog on Twitter and wrote: ‘This is Louis the Papillion. 16 months old.

‘Tiny, cheeky, brave. He won my heart. Unfortunately today, on the second anniversary of my fathers passing, Louis was hit by a truck.

‘We tried to get him to the vet, but he died in my arms while I was telling him how much we loved him[sic]’.

The Gladiator star delighted in sharing photos of Louis with fans and in December he posted a photo with him and his beloved pet wearing matching Ralph Lauren polo shirts.

He tweeted at the time: ‘I’m not at all a fan of dressing dogs up, but a friend bought little Louis a @ralphlauren polo so he can match with dad.

This is Louis the Papillion.
16 months old.
Tiny, cheeky, brave. He won my heart.
Unfortunately today, on the second anniversary of my fathers passing, Louis was hit by a truck.
We tried to get him to the vet, but he died in my arms while I was telling him how much we loved him. pic.twitter.com/zIwzUz8Ljx

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) March 30, 2023

Russell’s dog died in an accident in his arms (Picture: Russell Crowe/Twitter)

‘I think the other dogs on the farm are going to get jealous. Pretty funny’.

The tragedy happened on the anniversary of the death of the 58-year-old star’s beloved dad John.

At the time of John’s passing in 2021, Russell paid a heartfelt tribute to the ‘most gentle of men’.

The pup was just 16 months old (Picture: Russell Crowe/Twitter)

The star revealed his dog had died on the anniversary of his father’s death (Picture: Shutterstock)

The star uploaded a picture of his parent against the idyllic background of a sunny sky and lake that showed John beaming in a pair of sunglasses and baseball cap.

He wrote on social media of the tragic news: ‘I arrived back in the bush last night. Today, although the sun is shining and the torrential rain has abated, this date will forever be tinged with sadness.

‘My dear old man, my beautiful dad, the most gentle of men, has passed away.

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‘I’m posting this because I know there are people all over the world whose hearts he touched and whose ribs he tickled with his sparkly eyes and his cheeky attitude to everyone and everything and this is probably as efficient a method as any to pass on the news.

‘John Alexander Crowe 13th March 1936 – 30th March 2021 Born in Christchurch, New Zealand. Passed away in Coffs Harbour, NSW, his home for the last 25 years. Rest In Peace [sic]’.

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The poor pooch died in his arms.