Rocky actor Carl Weathers’ cause of death has been revealed in his death certificate.
Obtained by The Blast, the document detailed “atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” as the official cause of death.
According to the the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, this refers to when “deposits of fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the inner lining of the arteries to form plaque. Atherosclerosis can reduce or block blood supply to the heart (causing angina or heart attack) or to the brain (causing stroke).”
READ MORE: Tracy Vo on ‘Why Lunar New Year is a humbling time of year’
It also stated that his death occurred at 12:18 am local time at his Venice, California home, with his son Matthew Weathers being the one who alerted authorities to the death which was deemed “natural”.
The publication also reported that the family will be bringing home the actor’s ashes after he is cremated.
News of the actor’s death was delivered by his family via a statement to Deadline.
READ MORE: Two months after welcoming her son, Michela’s trip to the dentist led to a rare diagnosis
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” they said.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”
The actor is most well known for his role as Apollo Creed in four installments of Rocky, as well as in Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Arrested Development, among others.
His fellow costars and peers came out in droves to commemorate the actor’s life.
His Rocky costar Sylvester Stallone posted a touching tribute video for his costar, who he said made the iconic film what it is.
”Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I’m so torn up I can’t even tell you,” Stallone, 77, shared in an Instagram video.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
“Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness but I didn’t realise how great. I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him.”
“He was absolutely brilliant, his voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul… It’s a horrible loss.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who Weathers starred alongside in Predator, shared a heartfelt tribute for his late friend.
“Carl Weathers will always be a legend,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. Every minute with him – on set and off – was pure joy.