Kanam died on 8 December 2023, at the age of 73.[3][4] The death happened at Amrita Hospital, Kochi,[5] where he had been undergoing diabetes treatment. He had undergone a foot amputation surgery as part of the treatment. The immediate cause of death was a heart attack. The mortal remains were brought to his native place, and a funeral with full state honours was held at Kanam, Kottayam on 10 December 2023. Many personalities paid their tribute.