The cause of death has been revealed for Andy Devine, who starred as Shadrach Dingle in Emmerdale for 10 years.
News broke yesterday of the 79-year-old's death, but it was not clear how Mr Devine had died. Now, it has been revealed that the star died following an accidental fall.
He died in Southport Hospital, Merseyside on January 27 this year, an inquest into his death has heard. Sefton Senior Coroner Julie Goulding said that he had been unable to get up until his carers came to assist him, BirminghamLive reports.
Read more: Emmerdale Shadrach Dingle actor Andy Devine dies as fans pay tribute to ITV soap star
Mr Devine had to wait an hour for assistance and his death was contributed to by "a significant number of serious underlying clinical co-morbidities". Ms Goulding said: "He was unable to get up until his carers arrived to assist him which was about an hour later. Peter had a significant number of serious underlying clinical co-morbidities and not withstanding all appropriate care and treatment, Peter's condition deteriorated culminating in his death."
His medical cause of death was listed as "hospital acquired pneumonia" and the cause of death was concluded as being the result of an accident.
Tributes have since been paid to the actor, with former Emmerdale star, Liam O'Brien, who played Ethan Blake, expressing his sadness at the passing of his "old friend". He said: "Heartbroken to hear of the passing of an old friend. Even sadder that he passed in January and never knew. I was by the sea now when heard the news and Andy Devine was a sailor through and through. Gods rest ye pal. Second star to the right. Straight on 'til morning."
And Daniel Jillings said: "Such sad news! Often thought about Andy, he was my first drama teacher and a great one. A character both on and off screen."
As well as playing Shadrach Dingle on Emmerdale, Mr Devine had a number of minor roles in shows such as Doctor Who, where he played an uncredited Draconian Guard. He also had a memorable role as a gay man in the iconic Channel 4 series Queer As Folk.
He also appeared in an episode of Linda Green, playing the eponymous lead character's abrasive and lecherous boss Syd Jenkins.
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