General Hospital Star Tyler Christopher’s Cause of Death Confirmed

Tyler Christopher’s cause of death has been confirmed following the actor’s sudden death in October 2023.

The General Hospital Alum’s cause of death was listed as positional asphyxia due to acute alcohol intoxication, according to a Medical Examiner’s Office report obtained by TMZ. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, a condition where plaque can build up in the arteries, was also cited as a contributing factor in his death.

The pathologist concluded that Christopher suffocated due to the position he was in while he was drunk. His death was declared accidental.

Tyler Christopher.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

General Hospital Actor Tyler Christopher died at the age of 50: ‘Sweet soul and wonderful friend’

The news of the actor’s death was first revealed by his former colleague Maurice Benard in a post on Instagram. Along with two photos of the late actor, Benard wrote a lengthy caption announcing the loss while paying tribute to his friend. He also stated that Christopher, who died on October 31 at the age of 50, suffered a cardiac arrest in his San Diego apartment.

“Tyler was a truly talented individual who lit up the screen in every scene he performed and enjoyed bringing joy to his loyal fans with his acting,” Benard’s message read in part. “Tyler was a dear soul and a wonderful friend to all who knew him. Tyler was an advocate for better mental health and addiction treatment who spoke openly about his struggles with bipolar depression and alcohol.”

Benard’s post concluded: “We are beyond devastated by the loss of our dear friend and are praying for his children and his father.”

Tyler christopher’s daily family reacts to General Hospital The sudden death of a star at the age of 50: ‘This hits hard’

Tyler Christopher.

Maarten de Boer/NBCUniversal via Getty

Christopher struggled with alcohol in the years before his death. He was arrested several times for public drunkenness and was placed in the custody of his sister — an arrangement in which he claimed he was being “taken advantage of,” according to Bloomberg.

Following Christopher’s death, his former co-stars and friends have paid tribute to him acknowledging his battle with addiction, praising the actor for his strength throughout his journey.

Camila Banus, who previously worked with Christopher at NBC Days of our lives — which he joined in 2017 and left in 2019 — called the actor “a true artist” in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“He was a truly gifted and kind man,” Banus said. “We will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Tyler Christopher.”

Tyler Christopher vowed to make ‘serious changes’ to become a better father weeks before his death (Exclusive)

Tyler Christopher as Nikolas on “General Hospital”.

Rick Rowell/Disney General Entertainment via Getty

Christopher’s General Hospital Costar Steve Burton also spoke about the loss, describing the actor as a “brother”.

“This hits hard. Really hard. Sometimes I use the word ‘brother’ lightly. But when I called Tyler my brother, I meant it. . . there is a group of us. . . who did and would still do anything for each other,” Burton, 53, wrote on Instagram as he shared a collection of photos with Christopher over the years. “We lost one. A beautiful and talented soul. It hurts. Thank you for the memories bro Ty. I love you. See you in heaven. 🙏🏻🕊️.”

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Additionally, in a statement shared with PEOPLE, General Hospital Executive producer Frank Valentini said: “I am heartbroken by the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing. He was a kind, amazing actor and dear friend, loved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine.”

“On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our sincerest condolences to his loved ones at this difficult time,” Valentini added.

Christopher left behind two children, son Greysun (14) and daughter Boheme (8) with his ex-wife, former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo.

The pathologist did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s inquiry.

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