Monday, July 10, 2017

Nelsan Ellis Died Of Heart Failure Due To Alcohol Withdrawal



“True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis’ family said on Monday that the star died Saturday from heart failure due to complications from his “withdrawal from alcohol.”

Ellis’s family released a statement through manager Emily Gerson Saines to The Hollywood Reporter stating: “Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years. After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. According to his father, during his withdrawal from alcohol he had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted, and his dear sweet heart raced out of control.”

The Illinois-born actor died at age 39 after four days in the hospital, according to the statement from his family.

The American Addition Centers says cutting off alcohol “cold turkey” should not be done without a medical supervisor present or it could cause health problems, even lead to death.

“Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, as the brain and central nervous system experience a rebound after being suppressed by alcohol repetitively for an extended period of time,” according to American Addiction Centers. “Sudden removal of the central nervous system depressant can be life-threatening.”

Ellis’ family statement ended with: “Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others.”

The actor, who studied at Oxford University and Columbia College in Chicago before attending Julliard, famously played the role of Lafayette, a gay short order cook, on the HBO drama from 2008 to 2014. More recently, Ellis appeared in the CBS detective series “Elementary.” He was also a playwright and a stage director.

11 comments:

Nelsan Ellis Died Of Heart Failure Due To Alcohol Withdrawal | Celebrity Review said...

[…] “True Blood” actor Nelsan Ellis’ family said on Monday that the star died Saturday from heart failure due to complications from his “withdrawal from alcohol.” Ellis’s family released a statement through manager Emily Gerson Saines to The Hollywood Reporter stating: “Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years. After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. According to his father, during his withdrawal from alcohol he had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted, and his dear sweet heart raced out of control.” The Illinois-born actor died at age 39 after four days in the hospital, according to the statement from his family. The American Addition Centers says cutting off alcohol “cold turkey” should not be done without a medical supervisor present or it could cause health problems, even lead to death. “Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, as the brain and central nervous system experience a rebound after being suppressed by alcohol repetitively for an extended period of time,” according to American Addiction Centers. “Sudden removal of the central nervous system depressant can be life-threatening.” Ellis’ family statement ended with: “Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others.” The actor, who studied at Oxford University and Columbia College in Chicago before attending Julliard, famously played the role of Lafayette, a gay short order cook, on the HBO drama from 2008 to 2014. More recently, Ellis appeared in the CBS detective series “Elementary.” He was also a playwright and a stage director. The post Nelsan Ellis Died Of Heart Failure Due To Alcohol Withdrawal appeared first on CRAZY DAYS AND NIGHTS. Source: Nelsan Ellis Died Of Heart Failure Due To Alcohol Withdrawal […]

meagain said...

What a tragedy. RIP

Kathy said...

He was one of the best things in that show. Very sad

Do Tell said...

I hate seeing this happen to someone who was trying to get clean.

Do Tell said...

Go take a flying leap into a propeller.

CityGirl said...

This hurts my soul - addiction is the WORST

LaLaLa said...

Too sad to hear about this :-(

Elle said...

So sad. RIP

OKay said...

I know him from Elementary; he was terrific in it. RIP sir.

Hortensia said...

Don't know his work, but how sad his talent is no longer with us. Addictions are tough, especially for the sensitive souls of the world, and those with creative spirits. May Nelsan's soul rest in peace.

Iger said...

True Blood wouldn't have been half as good without Lafayette. RIP Nelsan.

Advertisements

Popular Posts from the last 30 days