On 20 September 2017 the Surrey-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) announced that Shepherd had died, on 19 September, after a 10-week fight in hospital with Parkinson's disease. The charity paid tribute to his devotion to the animals he painted, with chief executive Karen Botha saying, "David’s passion for wildlife and the role of man in its demise infuriated and inspired him.
On 20 September 2017, the Surrey-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) announced that renowned artist David Shepherd had lost his battle with death, just one day earlier, after a grueling 10-week fight with Parkinson's disease. The charity paid tribute to his unwavering dedication to the animals he painted through his artwork, as expressed by chief executive Karen Botha: "David’s fervent love for wildlife and humanity's impact on its survival fueled and inspired him.