Anne Whitfield, star of the 1954 holiday classic *White Christmas*, has passed away at the age of 85. Her family shared that the veteran actress died in an “unexpected accident” while out for a walk near her home in Washington, D.C.

Whitfield was best known for her role as Susan Waverly, the granddaughter of Major General Thomas Waverly, in *White Christmas*. She passed away at Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, with her family by her side.

In a statement, her family wrote: “The life of Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips was a beautiful one, with every second used to uplift the world and those around her.”

After leaving Hollywood in the 1970s, Whitfield dedicated herself to activism, working on causes that promoted peace and protected nature.

Her family expressed deep love and gratitude, stating, “Annie’s three children and seven grandchildren were the most important things in her life.” They will miss her dearly.