‘General Hospital’ star Tyler Christopher cause of death identified

SAN DIEGO (KSWB) — Additional details about the death of “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital” star, Tyler Christopher, have been released by the San Diego County Medical Examiner.

The 50-year-old’s death in October was ruled an accident brought on by positional asphyxia due to “acute alcohol intoxication.” It was initially identified as an apparent “cardiac event” by “General Hospital” co-star Maurice Bernard, who confirmed Christopher’s death in a post on Instagram.

Coronary artery atherosclerosis, which is a thickening of arteries from build-ups of fat or cholesterol, was also named by the medical examiner as a contributing factor in his death.

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The soap star, who was open about his experience struggling with bipolar depression and substance abuse, was found dead in his downtown San Diego apartment on Oct. 31 by a friend.

The friend called 9-1-1 after Christopher was found unresponsive in his bedroom, although the medical examiner said paramedics confirmed his death “without medical intervention due to postmortem changes.”

It remains unclear how long Christopher was unresponsive in his apartment before he was found.

After his death was announced, multiple colleagues took to social media to remember Christopher and his time-honored work in daytime television.

“Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting,” Bernard wrote of his late colleague in his Instagram post. “Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him.”

Christopher was best known for his portrayal of Nikolas Cassadine on the iconic medical soap opera, “General Hospital.” After a two-decade tenure on the show, he took on the role of Stefan DiMera for “Days of Our Lives” between 2018 and 2019. He earned Daytime Emmys for both of the roles, as well as multiple nominations.

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Along with the two daytime soaps, Christopher also worked on the ABC Family drama series “The Lying Game” and guested on such series as “The Twilight Zone,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Family Law,” “Charmed,” “Angel” and “The Pretender.” His film credits include “Shouting Secrets,” “Out of the Black,” and “Max Winslow and the House of Secrets.”

In 2008, Christopher married former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, although the couple later divorced in 2021. They share two children: Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher. He was also briefly married to “Desperate Housewives” alum Eva Longoria from 2002 to 2004.

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