Ryan O’Neal’s Cause of Death Revealed

Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal's cause of death has been revealed following his December 8 passing at the age of 82.

According to the actor’s death certificate, he died of congestive heart failure after suffering from cardiomyopathy for years.

He was hospitalized at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., when he died.

The death certificate lists no other contributing factors.

The “Love Story” star is buried at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary.

His son, 56-year-old actor Patrick O’Neal, announced his father’s passing via a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us,” he wrote.

“My father Ryan O’Neal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life,” he continued. “As a human being, my father was as generous as they come. And the funniest person in any room. And the most handsome clearly, but also the most charming. Lethal combo. He loved to make people laugh. It’s pretty much his goal. Didn’t matter the situation, if there was a joke to be found, he nailed it. He really wanted us laughing. And we did all laugh. Every time. We had fun. Fun in the sun.”

“As my father, he was second to none. The best and most loving and supportive dad, and I am just so lucky to have had him,” he continued. “We loved playing/watching sports together. Some great frisbee throws on the beach that would last all weekend long. For years. That was our bond.”

O’Neal was diagnosed with leukemia in 2001 and with prostate cancer in 2012. He initially stated it was Stage 4 cancer before later clarifying it was Stage 2. He underwent back surgery in 2017 and famously suffered from alcoholism and drug abuse over the years.