The official cause of death of former Growing Pains star Alan Thicke released on Wednesday, Dec. 21, confirmed that the actor died from a ruptured aorta.
The 69-year-old complained of chest pains while playing ice hockey with his son, Carter, on Dec. 13. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later died.
The Associated Press noted that Thicke's death certificate states he died mere hours after developing the tear in his artery. An aortic tear is the same thing that killed fellow actor John Ritter is 2003.
Thicke, who played Dr. Jason Seaver on Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992, was laid to rest on Monday, Dec. 19. His widow, Tanya Callau, released a statement the following day thanking everyone for their love and support through this difficult time.
“It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time,” she said . “Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke.”