Tyler Christopher's Autopsy Reveals New Details on Cause of Death
Originally appeared on E! Online
Officials have shed further light on Tyler Christopher's tragic death.
The General Hospital alum died on Oct. 31 at age 50 from positional asphyxia due to acute alcohol intoxication, with a contributing factor of coronary artery atherosclerosis, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
His cause of death was broken down in an autopsy report, obtained by E! News, which noted that Tyler was last seen on Oct. 30 "heavily intoxicated." When a friend went to check up on him the following day, the soap opera star was found unresponsive by his bed in a "position that would compromise his breathing," per the report.
Upon an autopsy, a forensic pathologist discovered hardening in Tyler's coronary arteries and fatty change of the liver. The findings were listed as effects of "natural disease" in the report, while a toxicology test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.327 percent with no drugs or medications detected in his system.
The report stated that Tyler's manner of death was an accident "based on the autopsy findings and the circumstances surrounding the death."
Celebrity Deaths: 2024's Fallen Stars
More from E! Online
Olivia Culpo Reacts After Christian McCaffrey's Mom Says They Can't Afford Super Bowl Suite
Alyssa Milano Responds to Claim She Had Shannen Doherty Fired From Charmed
Sam Waterston Leaves Law & Order After 30 Years as Scandal Alum Joins Cast
Prior to officials determining Tyler's cause of death, his former General Hospital costar Maurice Benard said the actor died from heart-related issues.
"Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment," he wrote in an Oct. 31 Instagram post. "Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting."
Calling the actor a "sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him," Maurice continued, "Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and substance use treatment who openly spoke about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol."
From 1996 to 2016, Tyler starred on General Hospital as Nikolas Cassadine, a role that won him a Daytime Emmy. In addition to his work on the ABC series, he portrayed Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives from 2001 to 2019.
Tyler is survived by his and ex Brienne Pedigo's kids: son Greysun, 14, and daughter Boheme, 8.
Keep reading to see his life in photos:
<p>2002</p>
Tyler Christopher with actress and then-wife Eva Longoria at the Daytime Emmy Awards in New York City.
<p>2003</p>
The couple attended the Rose Education Foundation gala.
<p>2007</p>
The actor and Brienne Pedigo stepped out at the The Hills CD release party in West Hollywood, Calif., before tying the knot the following year.
<p>2010</p>
He starred as Nikolas Cassadine in General Hospital from 1996 to 2016.
<p>2010</p>
He's seen in an emotional scene with Rebecca Herbst.
<p>2016</p>
He earned a Daytime Emmy Award for General Hospital.
<p>2018</p>
He looked sharp at the NBCUniversal Winter Press Tour.
<p>2018</p>
Deidre Hall and Christopher posed for a Days of Our Lives photo shoot.
<p>2018</p>
Christopher's official portrait.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
