Alan Thicke’s cause of death has been officially confirmed as a “ruptured aorta” and a “standard type A aortic dissection,” according to the official death certificate obtained by People.
The veteran TV star died within minutes of the rupture — and about three hours after it first developed a tear –while watching his son, Carter, play hockey, in Burbank, California. He was 69.
The cause of death was determined by a doctor and no autopsy was performed.
On Tuesday, his wife shared the pain she is feeling in a statement to TheWrap.
“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,” Tanya Thicke 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,” she continued.
“Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning.”
Thicke was honored at a memorial in Santa Barbara, California, on Sunday, which was attended by “Growing Pains” alumni including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Joanna Kerns and Jeremy Miller, along with other stars such as Kris Jenner, Bob Saget, Bill Maher, Alex Trebek, Rob Lowe and Alan’s singer/songwriter son, Robin Thicke.
After news of his father’s death broke, “Blurred Lines” singer Robin Thicke called him “the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had.”