Tyler Christopher Vowed Weeks Before Dying to Make ‘Serious Changes’ to Become a Better Father (Exclusive)

Tyler Christopher was determined to make amends with his children before his untimely death.

A month before he died, General Hospital actor met his beloved fans at a special meet and greet held in New York, where he opened up about his battle with addiction and the steps he’s taking to be more present for his children.

Joanne Morrissey, a superfan who drove 13 hours from New Brunswick, Canada, to meet him, recalls how he “put his whole life on the line” as he sat with his fans. Among the things he discussed, Christopher was candid about how his alcoholism affected his relationship with his children.

“He talked about them a lot, so in this particular case, when I asked him, he explained that he tried to see them,” she shares exclusively with PEOPLE. “I think he said he tried to visit them once a month… but you know he had to do it over a three day period.”

Tyler Christopher with daughter Boheme and son Greyson.

Tyler Christopher/ Instagram

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According to Morrissey, Christopher said he was last able to see his son, Greysun, 14, and his daughter, Boheme, 8, “for about eight months at this point” after their last visit attempt went awry.

The Days of our lives The alum rented an Airbnb in preparation for their visit, but “passed out on the couch” and his children ended up leaving with their mother, his ex-wife Brienne Pedigo. He didn’t realize he had “missed out” on their time together until he woke up the next day.

“His son took it extremely, extremely hard,” Morrissey continues, emotion quivering in his voice. “I could feel and I could tell from the way he described it that it was very difficult for him to forgive.”

Tyler Christopher with daughter Boheme and son Greyson.

Tyler Christopher/ Instagram

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The experience became a pivotal moment and led Christopher to the decision to “really make some serious changes in my life so that I could see my children.”

“His kids were his priority now,” she says of the Daytime Emmy winner. “He was going to get sober, as hard as it was, and stay sober so he could see his kids again.”

At the time, Christopher was “six weeks sober” and intent on making good on his promise.

“I think it was the end of September … when we met him and he said, ‘I’ll be able to see my kids on October 15th,'” Morrissey recalls.

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October 31, Christopher’s ex General Hospital Costar Maurice Benard confirmed his death in a statement shared on Instagram.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Tyler Christopher’s passing,” Benard wrote. “Tyler passed away this morning after a heart attack at his San Diego apartment.”

Benard continued, “Tyler was a truly talented individual who lit up the screen in every scene he performed and enjoyed bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting. Tyler was a kind soul and a wonderful friend to all who knew him.”

Tyler Christopher.

Maarten de Boer/NBCUniversal via Getty

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Tamika Belton, another devoted fan who was present for the experience, tells PEOPLE of his “kind hearted soul” and his willingness to be vulnerable to the difficult trials in his life.

“My experience with him in New York, I’ll always hold that in my heart,” she says. “He was very open and honest about his life, his story. He told his story and I was in awe as I listened to him speak. I said this guy is not hiding anything. Nothing.”

“He was not ashamed. He wanted people to learn from what he did with his life. He spoke highly of his children. He spoke highly of his best friend. He loved his fans,” Belton continues, adding that Christopher planned to write a book.

Tribute to celebrities who died in 2023

The Florida native reveals how the two bonded in a heart-to-heart in which she opened up about her experiences with loved ones struggling with alcoholism.

The advice she got from the soap icon? “He said, ‘Never chase a man, chase your dreams,'” Belton recalls.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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Source: HIS Education