A week after his tragic passing, beloved actor Alan Thicke’s cause of death has been officially confirmed on the late star’s death certificate.
In truth, because he died after suffering a cardiac event in public, there wasn’t much mystery surrounding Alan Thicke’s cause of death.
He died of a “ruptured aorta” and a “standard type A aortic dissection,” according to Thicke’s official death certificate obtained by People.
Alan was 69 years old.
The document states that Thicke died mere minutes after his aorta ruptured; Alan had complained of chest pains while playing hockey.
He and his youngest son, Carter, were at Pickwick Gardens skating rink in Burbank, Calif., when the actor took himself out of the game.
He was in good spirits – asking his 19-year-old son to take a photo as he was taken out of the rink and to the hospital – until the end.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, however, he passed away, triggering an outpouring of mourning and memories across the world.
Thicke, best known for his role on TV’s Growing Pains, as well as for being the affable guy he was, had no shortage of celebrity admirers.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Candace Cameron Bure, Leah Remini and Kirk Cameron were just a few of the many stars who have paid tribute.
Sunday, Thicke’s real-life sons Brennan, 41, Robin, 39, and Carter, 19, gathered with family and friends to remember one of the greats.
Attendees included members of the Growing Pains cast, and famous faces such as Bob Saget, Bill Maher, Alex Trebek and many more.
“Tonight’s memorial for Alan was just about perfect,” wrote Brennan’s wife Dolly, Alan’s daughter-in-law, of the Sunday memorial.
“So much family and so many historic friends came out to remember our beloved father-figure,” she added, and she’s not kidding.
“We heard from our own Robin Thicke who brought up all dear dad’s best friends, Bob Saget, Bill Maher, Alex Trebek who I had no idea had such old deep ties to our family.”
“The entire cast of Growing Pains including Leo and Kirk Cameron who I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, along with his wife who became an instant friend.”
On Tuesday, Thicke’s wife, Callau, said in a statement:
“It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.”
“Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke.”
“Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest.”
“We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning.”
R.I.P.
