How did Mark York die? Actor who played Billy Merchant on 'The Office' dies at 55 in Ohio

Marcus York, who was best known for playing the role of Billy Merchant in seasons one and two of 'The Office' has died following an illness.

According to TMZ, Mark, 55, passed away last week at Miami Valley Hospital in Ohio, however, while his death is said to have come quick, an exact cause of death has not been revealed yet. 

RELATED ARTICLES

'The Office' actor Ranjit Chowdhry dies at 65, fans bid goodbye to a 'wonderful part of childhood memories'

'The Office' actor Hugh Dane died from pancreatic cancer, death certificate reveals

Mark, who was a paraplegic since 1988 after he was involved in an automobile accident, started his acting career with small TV roles, including a part in 'CSI: New York' in 2004 as well as 'Fighting Words' in 2007. However, his role in the much-loved show 'The Office' really reeled in fans, especially due to his fantastic comedic delivery. His commendable performance occurred on a Season 2 episode titled 'The Injury' which has Steve Carell's Michael Scott inviting Mark's character to talk about people with disabilities, which turns out to be one very uncomfortable meeting.

Mark was very vocal about raising money and awareness to find a cure for paralysis. He once told Dayton Daily News how the cast and crew of 'The Office' was all about his efforts: "The line producer, Randy Cordray, approved a ‘set visit’ for our foundation to be able to raffle off as a prize in order to bring in the needed funding to cure paralysis. Steve Carell even suggested that we (he) shoot a PSA right there on the set of The Office. Also, Oscar Nunez verbalized to me that he is open to being included in it as well.”

Mark, who grew up in Ohio, had been focusing on his work as an inventor, and according to the outlet had already secured two patents for his inventions. "He always tried to look at what he could accomplish and do, not what he couldn’t do," the actor’s obit reads. "He had experienced many travel opportunities and many dreams for the future. In the past several years, he had been working as an inventor, and had obtained two patents for his inventions."

One person remembered him on Twitter saying: "Oh no. Guy was a legendary character in Dwights concussion episode. “The moonface kid with the concussion”" While one said, "RIP Mark York aka Billy Merchant :(" 

Mark is survived by his brother, Brian York, mother Becky York, and father Glenn York as well as brothers, Jeff and David.