Empire actress Lindsey Pearlman’s cause of death revealed

Actress Lindsey Pearlman was found inside her car in Hollywood’s Runyon Canyon park on February 18.

Now, almost six months later, a coroner has revealed the late 43-year-old’s official cause of death.

According to a report obtained by People, an autopsy showed that Lindsey succumbed to sodium nitrite toxicity, and also had non-toxic levels of lorazepam, metoclopramide, and codeine in her system.

Actress Lindsey Pearlman, 43, was found dead inside her car at Runyon Canyon Park on February 18. She reportedly died of an overdose and left a suicide note in her home and one in her call that directed whoever found her to call 911

The Chicago Justice and General Hospital actress was found dead three days after disappearing. 

She left two suicide notes—one in her car and another in her home. The note told whoever found her to call 911, TMZ reported. 

The actress, who played Joy Fletcher on Chicago Justice, reportedly called husband Vance Smith a day before the apparent suicide and told him she planned to end her life, TMZ reported. Smith then contacted the police in an effort to find her.   

The outlet also reported that she overdosed and that she had suffered from depression for many years. Phone data showed the star called her cousin a half-mile away from where her body was discovered. 

Lindsey Pearlman (left) was discovered dead last week following a nearly weeklong search. Her older sister, Marni Pearlman (right), asked relatives to help promote a suicide prevention hotline after the actress’ body was discovered

The Chicago Justice star (pictured on the show) reportedly had battled depression for many years 

‘The police found Lindsey,’ her husband wrote on social media at the time. ‘She’s gone. I’m broken.’ 

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Her older sister, Marni, 46, posted a brief statement on Facebook, saying: ‘Thank you to everyone who helped spread the news to search for my sister. She’s been found. She is gone. We are broken. Please respect our privacy at this time.’ 

Her costar from General Hospital, where she played Margaret ‘Maggie’ McMorris,  wrote on Twitter: ‘Lindsey Pearlman was terrific on @GeneralHospital and we are saddened to hear of this tragedy. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. #GH.’ 

Elaine Hendrix, who portrayed Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, paid tribute to her friend on Twitter: ‘Thank you to everyone who shared Lindsey’s missing person report. I’m deeply saddened & stunned to share that she was found deceased.’

She was found inside Runyon Canyon Park in Hollywood, a popular hiking destination 

Her cousin Savannah Pearlman wrote on Twitter: ‘I’m deeply sad to report that they have found Lindsey, and it was too late.   

‘Lindsey was a fierce animal advocate and a talented actress.’

Friend Cari Meyers wrote on Facebook: ‘Shocking news about Lindsay Perlman. We spent many hours protesting pet stores for The Puppy Mill Project together. Funny, gifted, with a huge love and generous heart for all, especially animals. Our hearts go out to Vance, really special guy. A really sad day for us.’    

The actress was last seen on February 13 in Hollywood near Franklin Avenue and North Sierra Bonita Avenue, near Runyon Canyon Park. 

According to a security guard working on a film in nearby, when police found Pearlman’s body, there were pills strewn throughout the inside of the vehicle. She was said to have been wrapped in a blanket. Police have not confirmed this report.

The actress grew up in Chicago and studied comedy at the Second City Conservatory.

After moving to California, she booked a recurring role on NBC’s Chicago Justice in 2017 as Joy Fletcher and would also later appear on Sneaky Pete, American Housewife, and Selena: The Series.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-8255.