Lindsey Pearlman: Mystery of 'Empire' actress' cause of death revealed after autopsy
Update: Lindsey Pearlman's cause of death has been confirmed following an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. On Monday, August 15, the coroner ruled her death as suicide. The coroner in his report noted that "the presence of non-toxic levels of lorazepam, metoclopramide, and codeine" were found in Lindsey's system.
------------------
The autopsy report of Lindsey Pearlman, who was found dead on Friday, February 18, has finally been out. However, the cause and manner of death of the 43-year-old star are yet to be determined, according to the spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani of Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. Ardalani said, the case was unique and would be investigated further. “Once the tests/studies come back, the doctor evaluates the case again and makes the cause of death determination," she added. Ardalani also noted that results might take up to eight weeks.
Lindsey had previously been reported missing by her family and friends, who indicated her last sighting was on February 13 at about 9 pm local time. The body of the 'Chicago Justice' actor was discovered inside a car near the entrance of Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood, California, a popular hiking area. Savannah Pearlman, the actress' cousin, tweeted that the former 'General Hospital' actress' phone had been pinged on Sunset Boulevard. Lindsey's sister Savannah said, "Please know that you are never truly alone," while sharing the National Suicide Hotline, on her Twitter thread.
RELATED ARTICLES
Did Lindsey Pearlman die by suicide? Sister of late 'General Hospital' star shares hint
How did 'Chicago Justice' star Lindsey Pearlman die? Actress found dead in her car
According to PEOPLE, Vance Smith, Pearlman's husband, confirmed her death on Instagram, writing, "The police found Lindsey. She's gone. I'm broken. I will share more later, but I wanted to thank you to everyone for their love and efforts and ask you to respect the privacy of her family at this time." Lindsey had "not been seen or heard from since 02.13.2022," according to an original missing person report released by LAPD earlier this week, but Vance later contested that date, explaining that she had last been seen on February 15. On Instagram, he wrote, "The last seen date is incorrect. Lindsey was last seen on 2/15 at 9 pm. I can't share any more details at this time."
Please know that you are never truly alone. Lindsey's sister has asked that we share the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
— Savannah Pearlman (@Savannah__P) February 19, 2022
Thank you. #LindseyPearlman
According to her website, Lindsey had recently moved to Los Angeles from Chicago. She moved to LA in search of on-camera possibilities after testing for a network television series, earning a holding agreement with NBC, and being cast in a recurring role on NBC's 'Chicago Justice'. She had appeared in multiple television shows since 2015, including 'Empire', 'Chicago Justice', 'Sneaky Pete', 'American Housewife', 'General Hospital', 'Selena: The Series', and 'The Ms. Pat Show'. Most recently, Pearlman played the role of Karen in 'Vicious', a show streaming on Urbanflix.
UPDATE: I'm deeply sad to report that they have found Lindsey, and it was too late. I have no other information about the location or circumstance.
— Savannah Pearlman (@Savannah__P) February 18, 2022
Lindsey was a fierce animal advocate and a talented actress. Please consider a donation to @SanteDOr in her honor.
Lindsey was also an activist for animals and humans. Her cousin, also tweeted an update, saying, "I'm deeply sad to report that they have found Lindsey, and it was too late. I have no other information about the location or circumstance. Lindsey was a fierce animal advocate and a talented actress." She also asked people to make donations to SanteDor, an animal and adoption center, in Lindsey Pearlman's name.