Washington, Feb. 17 -- Kevyn Major Howard, the actor best known for playing Rafterman in the war movie Full Metal Jacket, passed away at the age of 69.

'Full Metal Jacket' is a 1987 war film directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick. It is based on a screenplay he co-wrote with Michael Herr and Gustav Hasford. It stars Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin, Dorian Harewood, and Arliss Howard.

Howard's family informed that he died at a Las Vegas hospital surrounded by loved ones on Friday, as reported by People.

Howard was in the hospital weeks before his death due to respiratory issues, as per the outlet.

His official cause of death, however, has yet to be determined, reported People.

Howard is survived by his ...