Update Oct 10 2:32 p.m. PST: According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, Verne Troyer’s death has been ruled as a suicide. Variety reported the actor died after being hospitalized for alcohol intoxication. About one-third of suicides involve heavy use of alcohol.
Verne Troyer, an actor known for his role in the “Austin Powers” franchise, has died at the age of 49. The news was announced Saturday in a post shared on Instagram and Facebook.
Troyer’s cause of death has not been released, though the statement shared discussed suicide and depression:
Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside,” the statement reads. “Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.
If this news is hard for you, know you are not alone — and there is help for people who feel suicidal. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “START” to 741-741. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
Image via Wikimedia Commons/GabboT