David Gail’s cause of death was revealed just over a month after he tragically passed away at the age of 58.
The late Port Charles actor died on January 16 from brain and heart complications following a drug overdose, according to a statement from his mother Mary Painter shared on Friday.
She shared with Deadline that the official cause of death was anoxic ischemic encephalopathy after suffering from drug intoxication with amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.
According to the Mayo ClinicAnoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a brain damage that occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain.
The brain and heart complications occurred after resuscitation after cardiac arrest due to drug intoxication.
David Gail’s cause of death was revealed just over a month after he tragically passed away at the age of 58. The late Port Charles actor died of brain and heart complications following a drug overdose on January 16; pictured in November 2010
Gail was found unconscious by emergency workers who tried to revive him.
After attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, medics placed him on a ventilator for several days before he was pronounced dead on January 16.
His family initially thought he died of heart failure.
“It breaks my heart to hear that my son died this way,” Painter said in her statement.
She then explained that he became dependent on opioids after undergoing a number of surgical procedures.
“David became dependent on medication many years ago after multiple operations on his hands and wrists,” she said.
She said he suffered from pain for the better part of a decade.
“He lived in so much pain that he was unable to work for almost a decade, and relief could only be achieved through complete disability, physical therapy and pain medications,” she continued.
According to a statement from his mother Mary Painter, the official cause of death was anoxic ischemic encephalopathy after he suffered from drug intoxication with amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.
She added that he was actively battling his addiction before his death and tried “more Eastern pain management.”
Despite this, however, she claimed that his addiction “played a role” in his self-medication and ultimately his untimely and tragic death.
“He had trouble stopping taking medications, and he did that before turning to more Eastern pain treatment,” she said, noting that that included “acupuncture and natural medicines.”
“I can only assume that his past opioid addiction may have played a role in self-medication from uncontrolled sources,” she said.
In addition to his mother Painter, the late actor is survived by his son Guthier and sister Kathryn Gail.
His family requested privacy during this difficult time and that donations be made in Gail’s name to the Partnership To End Addiction in lieu of flowers.
“David’s death shines a light on the countless innocent victims of pharmaceutical additives and the fentanyl epidemic that has taken so much of our sons and daughters,” Painter said. “Please keep David and others in your thoughts and prayers as they battle pain or dependency.”
She also thanked Gail’s fans and colleagues for the “outpouring of love” following their tragic loss.
The handsome actor previously played the former fiancée of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s show Beverly Hills, 90210.
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“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love from David’s devoted fans and colleagues,” she said. “We are grateful for all the support we have received during this very difficult time.”
After Gail passed away last month, it was reported that his death was being investigated as a ‘possible drug overdose’.
Law enforcement sources said at the time TMZ no foul play is suspected in his death.
Police said they were waiting for toxicology tests to determine an official cause of death because they suspected an overdose.
The handsome actor played the former fiancée of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s show.
Gail’s death was confirmed by his longtime friend, Peter Ferriero, who hosts the rewatch podcast Beverly Hills, 91210.
Gail had a string of television credits in the 1990s and 2000s, including the primetime soap opera Savannah, which aired from 1996 to 1997 (pictured left)
He is also known for playing Dr. Joe Scanlon in the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles from 1999-2000, seen here with Jay Pickett, Pat Crowley and Sarah Aldrich
In tribute, Ferriero shared some clips from the actor’s time on his podcast.
‘In memory of David Gail. Here are a few stories he shared when he joined the podcast,” he wrote alongside the clip posted on Saturday.
The discussion focused on Gail’s character Stuart and his whirlwind romance with Brenda during a quick trip to Las Vegas.
Gail is also known for playing Dr. Joe Scanlon on the General Hospital spin-off Port Charles from 1999-2000.
The journeyman actor was last seen on screen in 2008’s Belly of the Beast, but he added his talents to portray several characters in the 2019 video game Blacksad: Under the Skin. During his long career, he was too seen in shows like ER and Robin’s Hoods.
He was one of the leading actors in the WB primetime soap opera Savannah, in which he played Dean Collins for two seasons from 1996.
“David was a nice person,” Ferriero wrote. “Someone I wanted to talk to more.”
“He was full of life and incredible stories. I’m grateful that I got to know it. I am so saddened by your loss, and by the world’s loss. He was a gift to all of us.”
Ferriero directed fans wanting to know more about Gail to his sister Katie Colmenares, who left a heartfelt tribute to her brother.
“There has hardly been a day in my life when you were not there by my side, always my wingman, always my best friend, ready to face anything and anyone with me,” she wrote sadly.
Peter Ferriero, host of the rewatch podcast Beverly Hills, 90210, shared some clips from the actor’s time on his podcast in tribute
Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, has left a heartfelt tribute to her brother. “There has hardly been a day in my life when you were not there by my side, always my wingman, always my best friend, ready to face anything and anyone with me,” she wrote
Condolences poured in with memories of the actor. “We loved David so much,” wrote Sheri Sussman of Spiral Gate Productions. ‘He was one of the good guys in life’
“The bears will never be the same, but I will hold you so tightly in my heart every day, beautiful loving, wonderful, fierce human being, I miss you every second of every day, forever there will never be another.”
Condolences poured in with memories of the actor. “We loved David so much,” wrote Sheri Sussman of Spiral Gate Productions. “He was one of the good guys in life.”
“Sending love to you and your family and I am heartbroken, he was the most loyal, supportive friend. I miss him already.’
“So sad and tragic news loved him as Stuart,” one fan wrote. “So sad forever, Stuart Carson rip,” said another.