Actor Tyler Christopher was reportedly found dead inside his home after a concerned friend went to check on him.
On Wednesday, 1 November, news broke that Tyler, who was best known for his role in General Hospital, had sadly passed away at the age of 50.
According to TMZ, a friend let themselves into his apartment using a spare key he'd given them, after not hearing from the star.
Sadly, the pal is understood to have found Tyler already dead, with law enforcement sources saying that he had been "deceased for some time".
His former co-star, Maurice Benard, confirmed his death on Instagram, stating that Tyler suffered a "cardiac event."
He said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tyler Christopher. Tyler passed away this morning following a cardiac event in his San Diego apartment."
Maurice continued: "Tyler was a truly talented individual that lit up the screen in every scene he performed and relished bringing joy to his loyal fans through his acting.
"Tyler was a sweet soul and wonderful friend to all of those who knew him."
Maurice also mentioned that Tyler had been an advocate for mental health, as he "spoke openly about his struggles with bipolar disorder, alcohol, and substance abuse."
General Hospital's Executive Producer, Frank Valentini, also paid tribute, stating: "I am heartbroken over the news of Tyler Christopher's passing. He was kind, an incredible actor, and dear friend, who was beloved by our GH family and fans of Nikolas Cassadine."
Frank added: "On behalf of everyone at General Hospital, our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."
Tyler made a name for himself as Nikolas Cassadine on the popular medical drama from 1996 to 2016.
He also held an Emmy-nominated role as Stefan DiMera on Days of Our Lives from 2018 to 2019.
Tyler was married to Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria between 2002 and 2004.
In 2018, he tied the knot with former ESPN reporter Brienne Pedigo, but they divorced in 2021.
The actor leaves behind his two children, Greysun James Christopher and Boheme Christopher, who he shared with Brienne.
In 2019, the daytime soap actor suffered a fall in the bathroom of his Indiana home during a battle with alcoholism.
He was rushed to the hospital after fracturing his skull, causing a bleed on the brain.
The star underwent life-saving surgery, with doctors having to drill holes in his head to relieve pressure in his skull.
Bloomberg reports that in 2020, he was placed under the legal guardianship of his sister Susan Asmo Baker.
However, Christopher claimed that his sibling "took advantage" of him, as he alleged that she used up to $40,000 of finances she gained from the guardianship to pay off her own credit card bill and buy her son a laptop. Asmo denied all of the allegations.
In May, Christopher was arrested for public intoxication and released on bail. In 2019, he was also arrested for the same reason after falling asleep in an Uber and was sent to an alcohol treatment program.
Tributes have poured in for the actor from fans of General Hospital, with one person saying: "I'm so sorry to hear of your passing. I loved you as Nikolas in GH."
"So talented and gone too soon," said another, while a third added: "Truly heartbroken, rest in paradise, Tyler."
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