Former Port Charles star David Gail died in January, and now, the actor’s cause of death is being revealed. The performer’s mother is speaking out to help others and is giving thanks to her son’s supporters.
David Gail: Cause of Death
Deadline reports that Gail, who played Joe Scanlon on the half-hour ABC soap, passed away from “brain and heart complications following drug intoxication involving amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol, and fentanyl.” The official cause of death is “anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy — a brain injury due to lack of blood flow — following resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest due to the drug intoxication.”
“It breaks my heart to learn that my son died this way,” Mary Painter, Gail’s mother, said in a statement. “David became reliant on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists. He lived in enough pain to prevent him from working for almost a decade, with relief only achieved through full disability, physical therapy, and pain medicine. He struggled to stop taking pharmaceuticals and did before turning toward a more Eastern pain management, including acupuncture and natural medicines. I can only assume that his former opioid dependence played a part in self-medicating from uncontrolled sources.”
Gail had been placed on life support. He was pronounced dead on January 16. Prior to landing on Port Charles as Joe, Gail played the part of Stuart Carson, one of Brenda’s (Shannen Doherty) many boyfriends on Beverly Hills, 90210. His other credits include Savannah, Doogie, Howser, M.D., and Perfect Opposites. On the big screen, he acted opposite Bradley Cooper in Bending All The Rules.
“David’s death shines a light on the countless innocent victims of pharmaceutical addiction and the fentanyl epidemic that has taken so many of our sons and daughters,” Mary Painter added. “Please keep David and others battling pain or dependence in your thoughts and prayers.”
Along with his mother, Gail is survived by his son Guthier and his sister Kathryn Gail. The family says that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David Gail’s name to the Partnership To End Addiction. “We are extremely touched by the outpouring of love from David’s dedicated fans and colleagues,” said his mother. “We are grateful for all the support received during this very difficult time.” Soap Hub sends sincere condolences to Gail’s family at this difficult time.
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