Paul O'Grady's cause of death has been confirmed - just over two weeks after the beloved star passed away "unexpectedly" at the age of 67.
As previously reported, the legendary UK TV and radio presenter - who was also known by his drag persona Lily Savage - died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on the morning of March 28 at his home in Kent.
A statement at the time from his husband, Andre Portasio, read: "He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit, and compassion.
Now, O'Grady's cause of death has been confirmed.
As reported by UK publication The Mirror, O'Grady's official death certificate lists his cause of death as "sudden cardiac arrhythmia" (also known as SADS).
According to the British Heart Foundation, sudden cardiac arrhythmia is when "someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, but the cause of the cardiac arrest can’t be found."
The foundation adds: "A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. This stops your breathing and starves your brain of oxygen."
The Mirror adds that O'Grady has previously suffered three heart attacks before the age of 65, and had spoken openly about his health struggles in the past.
Journalist and presenter Susannah Reid recalled last month how O'Grady had spoken candidly about a heart attack he had suffered several years prior.
"I remember he told us about those [health issues] when we interviewed him on the sofa about having a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and leaving it before telling a doctor," Reid recalled, per the Daily Mail. "Almost like he didn't want to bother anybody about it."
O'Grady has also quipped in a previous interview: "I had a bad heart attack 20 years ago. I think I slid off the mortal coil for about 30 seconds."
The TV icon first rose to fame as the sharp-tongued yet lovable drag star Lily Savage throughout the 1980s and 90s. As Savage, the star became a household name, presenting popular UK shows such as The Big Breakfast and Blankety Blank.
And the star found himself just as popular with fans out of drag, hosting a number of shows such as ITV's The Paul O'Grady Show (The New Paul O'Grady Show on Channel 4), and the ever-popular Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
Our thoughts continue to go out to O'Grady's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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