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Many of us were shocked and saddened to learn of actor Nelsan Ellis’ passing. At just 38-years-old it certainly seemed immature. When the story was reported over the weekend, the cause of death was heart failure. But according to Ellis’ family, there is more to the story.
In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, Ellis’ father shared that Nelsan’s heart failture was triggered by alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
In an attempt to help others who might be fighting the same fight Nelsan was, his family thought it was appropriate to share this with the world through Nelsan’s publicist Emily Gerson Saines.
Nelsan’s father has bravely agreed for me to share the circumstances of Nelsan’s heart failure. 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.
According to THR, Ellis is survived by his grandmother, Alex Brown; his father, Tommie Lee Thompson; and his son, Breon Ellis. He is also survived by his siblings Lakeeia Thomson, Tommie Lee Thompson, Babon Ellis, Maurice Turne, Tianna Thompson, Shaentika Beard and Yvonne Ellis and aunt Tartheaia Thompson.
The post Nelsan Ellis’ Family Reveals Alcohol And Drug Abuse Contributed To His Death appeared first on MadameNoire.