Val Kilmer Was Expected at Film Festival at Exact Moment News of Death Broke

Val Kilmer’s heartbreaking death shocked everyone -- especially the organizers of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, who were expecting him to attend right when news of his passing broke.

Nino Simone, the founder and president of the festival, expressed his shock Wednesday morning -- explaining it was only over the weekend that they confirmed Val’s attendance for the premiere of "American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective" on Tuesday night.

Nino said Val was thrilled to come out and support his friend Michael ... but when it was time for Val's 7:30 PM red carpet arrival, organizers were on the phone trying to reach his driver.

Simone explained the news of Kilmer's death broke at the exact same time, which was unbelievable and heartbreaking.

Clearly, Val is still loved and adored in Hollywood, with tons of celebs sharing heartfelt tributes after his daughter Mercedes confirmed he died Tuesday in L.A. due to complications from pneumonia.

Val had also battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014. In 2017, he told The Hollywood Reporter that it had "taken its toll" on him, leaving him short of breath and with a raspy voice after a procedure on his trachea.

We discussed Kilmer's life and legacy in the latest episode of "Last Days," available on all podcast platforms.