David Gail’s cause of death was revealed more than a month after his tragic passing at the age of 58.
The late Port Charles actor died from brain and heart complications following a drug overdose on Jan. 16, according to a statement from his mother, Mary Painter, shared Friday.
she shared with Deadline that the official cause of death was anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after suffering from drug intoxication that included amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.
According to the Mayo ClinicAnoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a brain injury that occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain.
Brain and heart complications occurred after resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest due to drug intoxication.
David Gail’s cause of death was revealed more than a month after his tragic passing at the age of 58. The late Port Charles actor died of brain and heart complications following a drug overdose on January 16; photographed in November 2010
Emergency personnel found Gail unconscious and attempted to resuscitate him.
After attempting CPR and defibrillation, doctors put him on life support for several days before he was pronounced dead on January 16.
His family initially believed he had died from heart failure.
“It breaks my heart to know that my son died this way,” Painter said in his statement.
He later explained that he became dependent on opioids after undergoing several surgical procedures.
“David became dependent on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists,” she said.
She said she suffered pain for the better part of a decade.
“He lived in enough pain to prevent him from working for almost a decade, and relief was only achieved through total disability, physical therapy and painkillers,” he continued.
According to a statement from his mother Mary Painter, the official cause of death was anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after suffering drug poisoning that included amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.
She added that he was actively battling his addiction before his death and was trying “more eastern pain management.”
Despite that, however, he claimed that his addiction “played a role” in his self-medication and, ultimately, his untimely and tragic death.
“He struggled to stop taking pharmaceuticals and did so before turning to more Eastern pain treatment,” he said, noting that it included “acupuncture and natural medicines.”
“I can only assume that his former dependence on opiates influenced his self-medication from uncontrolled sources,” he said.
In addition to his mother Painter, the late actor is survived by his son Guthier and his sister Kathryn Gail.
Her family asked for privacy during this difficult time and that donations be made in Gail’s name to Partnership To End Addiction in lieu of flowers.
“David’s death shines a light on the countless innocent victims of the pharmaceutical additive and fentanyl epidemic that has claimed the lives of so many of our sons and daughters,” Painter said. ‘Please keep David and others struggling with pain or dependency in your thoughts and prayers.’
He also thanked Gail’s fans and colleagues for the “outpouring of love” following her tragic loss.
The handsome actor previously played the ex-fiance of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the hit ’90s show Beverly Hills, 90210.
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“We are very touched by the outpouring of love from David’s dedicated fans and colleagues,” he said. “We are grateful for all the support received during this very difficult time.”
After Gail died last month, it was reported that her death was being investigated as a “possible drug overdose.”
At the time, police sources said TMZ No foul play is suspected in his death.
Police said they were awaiting toxicology tests to determine the official cause of death because they suspected an overdose.
The handsome actor played the ex-fiancé of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the hit ’90s show.
Gail’s death was confirmed by her longtime friend, Peter Ferriero, who hosts the replay podcast Beverly Hills, 91210.
Gail had a number of television credits in the 1990s and 2000s, including the soap opera Savannah, which aired in primetime from 1996 to 1997 (pictured left).
He is also known for playing Dr. Joe Scanlon on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles from 1999 to 2000, seen here with Jay Pickett, Pat Crowley and Sarah Aldrich.
In tribute, Ferriero shared some clips from when the actor was on his podcast.
‘In memory of David Gail. “Here are some stories he shared when he joined the podcast,” he wrote alongside the clip posted Saturday.
The discussion focused on Gail’s character, Stuart, and his whirlwind romance with Brenda during a quick trip to Las Vegas.
Gail is also known for playing Dr. Joe Scanlon on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles from 1999 to 2000.
The journeyman actor was last seen on screen in 2008’s Belly of the Beast, but added his talents to playing several characters in the 2019 video game Blacksad: Under the Skin. He made appearances on shows like ER and Robin’s Hoods during his run. long career.
He was a main cast member of the WB primetime soap opera Savannah, on which he played Dean Collins beginning in 1996 for two seasons.
“David was a kind human being,” Ferriero wrote. “Someone he wishes he had talked to more.”
‘It was full of life and incredible stories. I am grateful to have met him. I am very sad for your loss and the loss of the world. “It was a gift to all of us.”
Ferriero directed fans who want to know more about Gail to her sister Katie Colmenares who left a heartfelt tribute to her brother.
“There has barely been a day in my life when you were not by my side, always my partner, always my best friend, ready to face anything and anyone with me,” he wrote sadly.
Peter Ferriero, host of the replay podcast Beverly Hills, 90210, shared some clips from when the actor was on his tribute podcast.
Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, left a heartfelt tribute to her brother. “There has hardly been a day in my life when you were not with me, by my side, always my companion, always my best friend, ready to face anything and anyone with me,” she wrote.
Condolences came along with memories of the actor. “We loved David very much,” wrote Sheri Sussman of Spiral Gate Productions. “He was one of the good guys in life”
‘The bears will never be the same, but I will hold you so tight every day in my heart, you beautiful, loving, incredible, fierce human being, missing you every second of every day forever, there will never be another.’
Condolences came along with memories of the actor. “We loved David very much,” wrote Sheri Sussman of Spiral Gate Productions. “He was one of the good guys in life.”
‘Sending love to you and your family and I am heartbroken because you were the most loyal and supportive friend. I already miss him.’
“Such sad and tragic news loved him like Stuart,” one fan wrote. “How sad forever Stuart Carson,” said another.