Lance Reddick’s Family Rejects Cause Of Death Report: “No Autopsy Was Performed”

Lance Reddick‘s family is challenging a claim that heart disease was the reason behind his passing.

On Thursday, TMZ announced that they had received a death certificate that recorded ischemic heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease as the direct causes of Reddick’s death. After several hours, Reddick’s longtime attorney, James Hornstein, released a statement to People stating that “no autopsy was performed on Lance.” He added that “no medical assessment carried out during Lance’s life pointed to the existence of such conditions.”

“I have represented Lance Reddick for many years and continue to represent his wife Stephanie. The coroner statement on the death certificate is not a result of an autopsy. No autopsy was performed on Lance. To my knowledge, no medical examination of Lance during his lifetime ever indicated such conditions,” read the statement.

In addition, Hornstein described Reddick as “the most physically fit individual I’ve had the privilege of knowing.” He also mentioned that the late actor maintained a lifestyle that involved daily workouts in his private gym, “extensive cardio work,” and a strict dietary regimen. He further revealed that Reddick’s contracts even included a “mandate” for access to gym facilities while working remotely.

“The information appearing on the death certificate is wholly inconsistent with his lifestyle,” Hornstein said. “On behalf of Stephanie Reddick, the death certificate information is not corroborated and is inconsistent with the facts known to the family.”

Last month, Reddick passed away at the age of 60. His representatives announced that he died unexpectedly from natural causes and appealed for privacy on behalf of his family. Reddick gained recognition through his performances in the HBO series Oz, and the highly acclaimed crime drama, The Wire. He also appeared in other popular television programs such as Fringe, Resident Evil, Bosch, and Corporate.