The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has announced the official cause of death for beloved Will and Grace star Leslie Jordan, who died in October following a car crash.
The 67-year-old actor died on October 24 after crashing his car into a building in Hollywood. It was reported that he suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel while he was on his way to the set of the sitcom Call Me Kat.
Authorities responded to the incident shortly before 9:00 AM. The tragedy took place at the intersection of Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street.
Per reports, Jordan had been experiencing shortness of breath some days before his passing.
According to a newly released autopsy report by the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office, Jordan died from sudden heart failure due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, TMZ reports. It was determined a natural death.
"Autopsy showed a well-nourished man without evidence of life threatening trauma," the report read.
Arteriosclerosis takes place as a result the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body becoming thick and stiff, which can hinder blood flow to organs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sources close to Jordan told TMZ on October 25 that The Cool Kids star had been feeling unwell and had scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist.
Following a toxicology report, it was revealed that Jordan tested negative for ethanol, marijuana, common illicit drugs and prescription drugs such as fentanyl and opiates. He had been sober for over 20 years before he died.
In a 2021 interview with Page Six, Jordan explained how becoming sober changed his life for the better.
"I got into AA 22 years ago, and I was made to examine things," he told the outlet. "I was made to write about my fears, about my beliefs, to find a god of my own understanding, and it’s getting rid of that fear, that burning lake of fear.
"I don’t know at what point, but here I am, 65, perfectly comfortable with who I am, what I am, and how did that happen? I think just living life and exploring things and reading things."
He added: "It was a journey away from things that you were taught as a child. It’s in the seeking, that’s my faith and not thinking that I’m going to figure it out. It’s just an open heart."
In the wake of his death, a number of fellow celebs paid tribute to the star.
His Will and Grace co-star Sean Hayes tweeted: "My heart is broken. Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend."
Glee actor Kevin McHale added: "Leslie Jordan was as talented and genuine as they come. What a ray of sunshine. This is just terrible."
