Former child star Evan Ellingson‘s cause of death has been revealed, just weeks after he suddenly passed away at the age of 35 in California.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department ruled Ellingson’s death to be an “accident,” according to People. A spokesperson for the coroner’s office determined the cause of death to be an accidental fentanyl overdose.
TMZ previously reported that his death was being investigated as a possible drug overdose when drug paraphernalia was found in his home at the time of death.
Ellingson was living in a sober living home in Fontana, California, at the time of his death. According to his father, the General Hospital actor had struggled with substance abuse in the past but had been “doing better” recently, TMZ reports.
The actor is best known for his memorable performance in the 2009 drama My Sister’s Keeper, alongside Abigail Breslin, Cameron Diaz, and Alec Baldwin.
Breslin paid tribute to the actor, who played her older brother in the film, in a touching social media post.
“Evan was a genuinely thoughtful person who cared so much about turning in the best performance, which he accomplished. Some of his scenes in MSK still give me chills,” she wrote.
Her statement continued, “He was also silly, funny, a prankster, a lover of Red Bull (I hated the smell of Red Bull) and he was energetic and the life of the party. I didn’t keep in touch a lot with him after the film, but he always stayed in my mind as a wonderful and sweet soul, one I am grateful to have crossed paths with.”
At the time, Breslin urged fans not to speculate over Ellingson’s cause of death as it hadn’t been determined yet.
“I ask you to kindly not speculate on the details out of respect for his family including his daughter,” she wrote.
By the time of his death, it had already been 10 years since he last took on an acting role. But Ellingson led a successful career in television when he was a young man, with appearances in 24, CSI: Miami, and Complete Savages.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.