A year after the sudden death of legendary actor Ray Liotta, we now know the cause of his passing.
Liotta passed away in May 2022 while filming “Dangerous Waters” in the Dominican Republic. One year later, a coroner’s report obtained by TMZ revealed that heart and respiratory issues were the cause. Specifically, Liotta’s death was attributed to pulmonary edema, respiratory insufficiency, and acute heart failure. The medical examiner also listed atherosclerosis as an underlying issue.
Atherosclerosis is a slow-developing disease that often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe, with around 50% of Americans aged 45 to 84 having the condition, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
One of the most common symptoms of atherosclerosis is painful muscle cramps in the hips and legs when walking. It can also lead to a “mini-stroke,” also known as a transient ischemic attack.
Liotta’s sudden passing left his loved ones and fans in shock, with his daughter, Karsen, and his fiancée, Jacy Nittolo, who was with him on the movie set, left behind.
Despite the grief of losing her partner, Nittolo shared a touching tribute to the Goodfellas actor on her Instagram, expressing their deep love and inseparable bond. She described the chemistry between them as “wild in the best way” and highlighted the beauty of his character. The couple had been photographed holding hands just days before his death, indicating they enjoyed each other’s company until the end.
In February 2023, Liotta was posthumously honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Karsen spoke on his behalf, praising him as a “one-of-a-kind” actor and exceptional friend, brother, and father.
Karsen concluded her speech by saying that everyone deserves a “Ray” in their life, emphasizing her father’s impact on those around him.