Over the weekend fans around the world were shocked to learn of the passing of actor Nelsan Ellis. To many, he was most known for his character, Lafayette Reynolds on the hit HBO show “True Blood.”
When Ellis’ death was announced, there were little details revealed. It was only announced that he passed due to heart failure.
On Monday, Ellis’ family revealed in a statement that he died of heart failure due to alcohol withdrawal complications.
In the effort to help those who may be battling the same addiction his family further explained in a statement released through his manager:
“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.
On the morning of Saturday July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan was pronounced dead. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. 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.”
We continue to send our prayers to the Nelsan Ellis’ family.
