BURT Reynolds almost died, it has been claimed.

The Hollywood legend, 77, collapsed at home and might have passed away if not for a chance visit by friends who rushed him to the hospital

Reynolds was battling a high fever, suffering severe de­hydration and slurring his words after stubbornly refusing to get help for a devastating case of flu.

“It was incred­ible luck that a woman friend called Burt just to check on him,” a source said. “He sounded so bad his pal immediately thought he’d suffered a stroke.

“She and another friend raced to his house and were rocked by what they found.

“Burt looked like he was al­most dead. He couldn’t even get to his feet without assistance.

“If those friends hadn’t shown up when they did, he probably would have died right there because Burt is a stubborn ol’ boy and he had no intention of calling for help or going to the hospital on his own.

“His health has been been very bad for some time, but he’s in such poor financial shape he can no longer afford the round-the-clock care he needs.

“He actually told pals, ‘I’ve had enough – I’m ready to go.’

“It makes you wonder when Burt’s luck is finally going to run out.”