Dayle Haddon, the Canadian-born model and actress who became the face of major beauty brands and graced numerous magazine covers, died Friday, December 27, in a carbon monoxide incident at a Pennsylvania property that also hospitalized several emergency responders. She was 76.
Police responded to a call at 6:31 a.m. Friday reporting an unconscious man at a detached building on a Bucks County property. Upon arrival, they discovered Walter J. Blucas, 76, passed out on the first floor, while Haddon was found deceased in a second-floor bedroom.
The incident’s severity affected first responders, with two medics requiring hospitalization for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer receiving treatment at the scene. Walter Blucas, father of actor Marc Blucas, Haddon’s son-in-law, remains in critical condition at a New Jersey hospital.
Born in Quebec, Haddon began her career as a ballerina before transitioning to modeling, where she achieved significant success representing prestigious brands, including Estée Lauder and L’Oreal. Her presence graced the covers of Sports Illustrated and Vogue Paris during the 1970s, establishing her as a prominent figure in fashion.
Haddon’s journey through the highs and lows of the modeling world took an unexpected turn after she welcomed her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s. Stepping away from the spotlight to focus on family life, she thought her days in the industry were behind her.
However, life threw a curveball when her husband passed away in 1991, forcing her to find work once more. Returning to the modeling world wasn’t easy; the once-familiar industry now saw her age as a limitation. In a 2003 interview with The New York Times, she recalled being told, “At 38, you’re not viable. “
Undeterred by rejection, Haddon shifted her focus and began carving a new path. While working at an advertising agency, she observed an emerging trend: baby boomers were aging but still eager to embrace beauty and self-care.
Recognizing this untapped potential, she pitched the idea to major cosmetic brands. Her efforts paid off, leading to a contract with Clairol, which opened the door to partnerships with Estée Lauder and L’Oreal. With L’Oreal, she became the face of their anti-aging campaigns, a role she held for over a decade. Her expertise and charisma earned her a spot on CBS’s The Early Show, where she shared beauty tips and insights with a national audience.
In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Haddon’s daughter Ryan remembered her mother as having “a pure heart” and living “a life well lived.” She wrote, “She was a high-hearted spiritual being that put value on her soul’s evolution, so I know her journey here in this dimension must have been complete.”
According to CBS News, the property where the incident occurred, owned by Ryan Haddon and Marc Blucas, was part of a historic restoration project. The preliminary investigation revealed that a faulty flue and exhaust pipe in the gas heating system caused dangerous carbon monoxide levels in the building.
Haddon’s career extended beyond modeling into cinema, with notable appearances in films including “The World’s Greatest Athlete” (1973) and “North Dallas Forty” (1979). She later expanded her influence through television roles in series such as “Max Headroom” and “The Hitchhiker,” and authored “The Five Principles of Ageless Living” in 2003.
The Solebury Township Police Department expressed condolences to the families while emphasizing the incident’s role as “a stark reminder of the importance of carbon monoxide safety precautions in our homes.”
Carbon monoxide incidents significantly increase during winter months, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Proper detection systems and regular maintenance are crucial safety measures, especially in buildings with updated heating systems.
Haddon is survived by her daughter Ryan and son-in-law, Marc Blucas. The couple shares two daughters, and Ryan has two additional children from her previous marriage to actor Christian Slater.
