Almost a year after Ray Liotta’s death, his cause of death has actually been revealed. The Goodfellas star passed away from breathing deficiency and intense cardiac arrest, according to files obtained by TMZ.
Liotta passed away in his sleep on May 26, 2022, at age 67 from “natural and nonviolent” triggers. The outlet reports that the Golden Globe candidate suffered lung edema, “a condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs,” making it “difficult to breathe” per Mayo Clinic.
The Marriage Story star also had atherosclerosis, “the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery wall.”
At the time of his death, Liotta was filming the movie Dangerous Waters in the Dominican Republic. Tributes poured in from his costars, friends, fans and family members following the devastating news of his passing.
The Another World alum is survived by his fianceé, Jacy Nittolo, and his daughter, Karsen, whom he welcomed with his ex-wife, Michelle Grace.
“Those who knew him, loved him,” Karsen captioned an Instagram tribute to her father a few days after his death. “You are the best dad anyone could ask for. I love you. Thank you for everything.”
The Shades of Blue actress recently honored her father’s tradition in February when he was posthumously granted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“I’m so touched to be accepting this honor on behalf of my father,” she said at the time. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. He was a one-of-a-kind actor and the best friend, brother and father anyone could have asked for. I lucked out with you.”
Karsen continued, “Thank you for your work and the imprint you left on me and all of those who love you,” including, “Everyone is worthy of a Ray in their life.”
Liotta’s previous costars Elizabeth Banks and Taron Egerton likewise participated in the event to pay their aspects to the famous Hollywood entertainer.
“He was that sort of uncommon artist that brought all of himself into his work, all of his strength, all of his vulnerability and, when it comes to our program, all of his love,” Egerton, who dealt with Liotta in Black Bird, said throughout his speech. “I was deeply motivated by Ray; he was the embodiment of a star’s star … And most notably, he made everybody around him much better.”
