Austin Powers and Celebrity Big Brother star Verne Troyer’s cause of death revealed

Former Celebrity Big Brother contestant Verne Troyer’s death has been ruled as suicide.

The American actor – who is best-known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies – died in April at the age of 49 and a coroner in Los Angeles has now confirmed that he passed away because of the effects of alcohol.

Troyer – who openly battled alcoholism – spent the final three weeks of his life in a Los Angeles hospital for alcohol intoxication.

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Following an autopsy and other medical tests, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has ruled he died from the effects of alcohol and his death was a suicide.

Troyer’s death was first announced on his Facebook account.

At the time, the cause of his passing wasn’t known, but the statement hinted at some of his personal problems.

The statement read: “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday …

“Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.

“During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately.

“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help. (sic)”

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It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday. He inspired people around the world with his drive, determination, and attitude. On film & television sets, commercial shoots, at comic-con’s & personal appearances, to his own YouTube videos, he was there to show everyone what he was capable of doing. Even though his stature was small and his parents often wondered if he’d be able to reach up and open doors on his own in his life, he went on to open more doors for himself and others than anyone could have imagined. He also touched more peoples hearts than he will ever know. Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much. During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately. Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Verne’s name to either of his two favorite charities; The Starkey Hearing Foundation and Best Buddies. Photo by @paulmobleystudio

A post shared by Verne Troyer (@vernetroyer) on Apr 21, 2018 at 12:58pm PDT

Troyer became a Hollywood star thanks to his portrayal of Dr Evil’s clone, Mini Me, in the second and third Austin Powers movies.

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He also portrayed a goblin in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and had roles in movies including The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and The Love Guru.

As well as a movie career, he appeared in several reality shows.

Troyer appeared in the sixth series of Celebrity Big Brother back in 2009 alongside stars including La Toya Jackson, Tina Malone, Michelle Heaton and eventual winner Ulrika Jonsson.

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