Arvin Roberts|Beverly Hills, 90210 Actor David Gail's Rep Clarifies His Drug-Related Cause of Death

2025-05-05 20:04:33source:Coxnocategory:My

New details surrounding David Gail's cause of death have Arvin Robertscome to light.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum died Jan. 16 at age 58 due to anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy—a brain injury due to lack of blood flow—following resuscitation from cardio pulmonary arrest, his rep Linda Brown confirmed to E! News Feb. 27.

The medical emergency was caused by drug use, including amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl, according to the spokesperson. his death was ruled as an accident. 

"It breaks my heart to learn my son died this way," Gail's mom Mary Painter shared in a statement. "David became reliant on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists. He was unable to work for almost a decade, with relief only achieved through full disability, physical therapy and pain medicine."

Painter said Gail spent years managing his pain "through pharmaceuticals" before turning to acupuncture and natural medicines.

 

"I can only assume that his former dependence played a part in self-medicating from uncontrolled sources," she continued. "David's death shines a light on the countless innocent victims of pharmaceutical addiction and the fentanyl epidemic that has taken so many of our sons and daughters."

Painter added, "Please keep David and others battling pain or dependence, in your thoughts and prayers."

In January, Gail was found unresponsive and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, leading the Port Charles star to be hospitalized, according to his rep. After spending days on life support, Gail's spokesperson said the actor had died from complications from sudden cardiac arrest.

In the wake of Gail's passing, his childhood friend Katie Colmenares described him as a person who was "ready to face anything and anyone."

"There's barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side," she wrote in a Jan. 20 Instagram post, alongside a photo of the two hugging. "Always my wingman always my best friend."

In addition to his mom, Gail is survived by his son Guthier and his sister Kathryn.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App

More:My

Recommend

Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'

NEW YORK − For Angelina Jolie, the hardest part of playing opera star Maria Callas wasn’t the seven

Two men questioned in Lebanon at Turkey’s request over 2019 escape of former Nissan tycoon Ghosn

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese judicial authorities have questioned two people at the request of Turkey on s

Red Velvet Oreos returning to shelves for a limited time. Here's when to get them.

For the first time since 2020, a fan-favorite Oreo flavor will be returning to store shelves next we