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Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, Animals
Callum Jones
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, Animals
The cause of death of TV presenter, Paul O'Grady, has been reported after he tragically died last month.
O'Grady was 67-years-old when he died, with his family announcing at the time that he died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on 28 March.
Shocking the whole country, O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, shared the devastating news on social media, writing: "We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
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"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
At the time, his family did not disclose a cause of death, but O'Grady's death certificate, obtained by the Express, has revealed that the presenter died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
The British Heart Foundation explains that sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) is when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest, and no obvious cause can be found.
A cardiac arrest takes place when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body, causing the brain to become starved of oxygen.
The obtained death certificate also indicates that O'Grady's long-time friend, as well as former PA and agent, Joan Marshrons, registered his death six days after he passed away on 28 March.
While the news did come as a shock to everyone in the UK, O'Grady had previously been open about his struggles with Ischemic Heart Disease.
He admitted to having three heart attacks before the age of 65, and gave a rather honest interview with The Mirror on how he was 'counting his blessings' when it came to his health.
Back in 2002, after suffering his first hear attack, the much-loved TV presenter said it would be a 'miracle' if he reached the age of 60.
He added: "I’d sort of been waiting for it… all of our family has died of heart disease. But I never thought I wasn’t going to make it. God, no."
Of course, many will remember O'Grady for his love of animals, and in particular, dogs.
For years, O'Grady worked with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help many animals get the support they need, and eventually be re-homed.
The report of the TV presenter's death comes as fans were able to tune in to the final series of ITV's For The Love Of Dogs.