David Gail’s cause of death was revealed over a month after he tragically passed away at the age of 58.
The late Port Charles actor died from brain and heart complications following a drug overdose on January 16, 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 he suffered from drug intoxication involving amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.
According to the Mayo Clinic, anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a brain injury which occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain.
The brain and heart complications occurred following resuscitation from cardio pulmonary arrest due to the drug intoxication.
David Gail’s cause of death was revealed over a month after he tragically passed away at the age of 58 . The late Port Charles actor died from brain and heart complications following a drug overdose on January 16; pictured in November 2010
Gail was found unresponsive by emergency personnel who attempted to resuscitate him.
After attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, medics put him on life support for several days before he was pronounced dead on January 16.
His family initially believed he died from heart failure.
‘It breaks my heart to learn that my son died this way,’ Painter said in her statement.
She then explained that he became dependent on opioids after he underwent a number of surgical procedures.
‘David became reliant on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists,’ she said.
She said that he suffered from pain for the majority of a decade.
‘He lived in enough pain to prevent him from working for almost a decade, with relief only achieved through full disability, physical therapy and pain medicine,’ 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 involving amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl
She added that he was actively fighting his addiction prior to his death and was trying ‘more Eastern pain management’.
Despite that, however, she claimed his addiction ‘played a part’ in him self-medicating and, ultimately, his untimely and tragic death.
‘He struggled to stop taking pharmaceuticals and did before turning toward a more Eastern pain management,’ she said, noting that included ‘acupuncture and natural medicines’.
‘I can only assume that his former opioid dependence played a part in self-medicating 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 asked for privacy during this difficult time and for donations to 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 addition and the fentanyl epidemic that has taken so many of our sons and daughters,’ Painter said. ‘Please keep David and others battling pain or dependence in your thoughts and prayers.’
She also thanked Gail’s fans and colleagues for the ‘outpouring of love’ following their tragic loss.
The handsome actor previously played the one-time fiancé of Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s show Beverly Hills, 90210
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‘We are extremely touched by the outpouring of love from David’s dedicated fans and colleagues,’ she said. ‘We are grateful for all the support 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’.
At the time, law enforcement sources told TMZ no foul play is suspected in his death.
The police said they were waiting for toxicology tests to determine an official cause of death as they suspected an overdose.
The handsome actor played the one-time fiancé 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 Beverly Hills, 91210 rewatch podcast.
Gail had a string of television credits in the 1990s and 2000s, including on the primetime soap opera Savannah, which aired from 1996–97 (pictured on the left)
He’s 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 when the actor was on his podcast.
‘In memory of David Gail. Here are a few stories he shared when he joined the podcast,’ he wrote next to the clip which was posted Saturday.
The discussion was 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 in 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. He made appearances in shows such as ER and Robin’s Hoods during his long career.
He was a main cast member on the WB primetime soap opera Savannah, on which he played Dean Collins beginning in 1996 for two seasons.
‘David was a kind human,’ Ferriero wrote. ‘ Someone I wish I spoke to more.’
‘He was filled of life and incredible stories. I am grateful I got to know. I am so saddened for your loss, and the world’s loss. He was a gift to us all.’
Ferriero directed fans who want to know more about Gail to his sister Katie Colmenares who left a heartfelt tribute to her brother.
‘There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone with me,’ she wrote mournfully.
Peter Ferriero, who hosts the Beverly Hills, 90210 rewatch podcast shared some clips from when the actor was on his podcast in tribute
Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, left a heartfelt tribute to her brother. ‘There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone w me’ she penned
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 tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being missing 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 am heartbroken he was the most loyal, supportive friend. I miss him already.’
‘So sad tragic news loved him as Stuart,’ wrote a fan. ‘So sad forever Stuart Carson rip,’ said another.
