'No autopsy performed': Lance Reddick's family contests cause of death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 'John Wick' actor Lance Reddick's family is contesting the coroner's decision on the actor's cause of death. According to earlier reports, Reddick's death was caused by heart disease. However, a lawyer for the family claims that the cause of death was not established by an autopsy and was incompatible with Reddick's lifestyle and level of fitness.
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ on Thursday, April 6, Reddick's direct cause of death was both atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease. Reddick was to be cremated, per the death certificate.
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'Death certificate is wholly inconsistent'
James Hornstein, a lawyer for Reddick's family, is contesting the claim that the late actor's cause of death was heart disease, claiming that the finding is "not a result of an autopsy" and is "inconsistent with the facts known to the family." Reddick, said Hornstein in a statement obtained by People, was "the most physically fit person I’ve ever known." The statement read, "I have represented Lance Reddick for many years and continue to represent his wife Stephanie. The coroner statement on the death certificate is not a result of an autopsy. No autopsy was performed on Lance. To my knowledge, no medical examination of Lance during his lifetime ever indicated such conditions."
Hornstein claimed that the actor followed a strict diet and exercised regularly at his personal gym. When working away from home, he claimed Reddick had a "contractual requirement" that "the availability of gym facilities" be provided, as per People.
According to Hornstein, "the information appearing on the death certificate is wholly inconsistent with his lifestyle." The statement concluded, "On behalf of [Lance's wife] Stephanie Reddick, the information on the death certificate is not corroborated and is inconsistent with the facts known to the family." It is uncertain if the family will take further action apart from releasing the statement.
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Reddick died on March 18. The actor's representatives requested privacy at the time and stated that he "passed away suddenly" from natural causes. Reddick had passed out in his Studio City backyard when his wife Stephanie discovered him and called emergency services. Reddick leaves behind his wife, and two children - Christopher Reddick and Yvonne Nicole Reddick.
Reddick, a native of Baltimore, had his acting debut on HBO's prison drama 'Oz' before he went on to appear in the critically renowned crime thriller 'The Wire.' He also appeared on 'Fringe,' 'Resident Evil,' 'Bosch,' and 'Corporate' on television. Reddick and Keanu Reeves co-starred in all three 'John Wick' movies, most recently in 'John Wick: Chapter Four. Additionally, he was scheduled to appear in the 'Ballerina' sequel to the franchise.