Suzanne Somers‘ cause of death has been revealed nearly two weeks after the Three’s Company actress sadly passed away at 76.
As previously reported, it was announced that the beloved actress had died peacefully at her home in a heartbreaking statement by her publicist on behalf of her family.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” R. Couri Hay told PEOPLE.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Suzanne Somers. Credit: Dia Dipasupil / Getty
In a separate statement, Hay also told the publication that the “beautiful house” the 76-year-old Step by Step star spent her final moments in was “one of her dreams.”
“There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the grandchildren and step-children were all part of the business,” the publicist said, adding that she was “very engaged right to the end.”
A private family burial took place last week, and a memorial will be held later next month.
It has now been revealed that Somers tragically died from breast cancer that had metastasized, her grieving husband, Alan Hamel, told ET Online in a statement.
According to The Blast, an outlet that obtained Somers’ death certificate, her immediate cause of death was documented as “breast cancer with metastasis to the brain” with underlying conditions of hypertension and hydrocephalus contributing to her death.
Per the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Hypertension is a condition where “excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up within the fluid-containing cavities or ventricles of the brain” and causes “harmful pressures on the tissues of the brain.”
Alan Hamel and Suzanne Somers. Credit: David Crotty / Getty
As mentioned, Somers passed away just one day before her 77th birthday, which her family eventually celebrated after her death.
Hamel, and the couple’s son, Bruce Somers shared pictures and videos of them lighting up candles on a cake they had bought to enjoy with her on what would’ve been her special day.
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and affection for Suzanne,” the family wrote in an Instagram post. “So many of you have asked what you can do to support our family. The most comforting gesture for us is to hear how Suzanne affected all of your lives.”
Furthermore, Bruce penned an emotional tribute to his mom which read: “She soared higher than most can dream. She protected those who didn’t have a voice. She asked the questions most didn’t know to ask. She shared her challenges and brought light to solutions.”
Adding a precious photo of his mom adorably kissing his cheek, Bruce continued: “To so many, she was a brave warrior who articulated their fears. She wasn’t fearless, but she faced them so we could learn. She was a friend, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an entertainer, an icon, and a legend. But to me, she was just Mom. I had the privilege as the only person who could call her that.”
“Growing up, it was us against the world. And then she took the world by storm. It’s always too soon, no matter how prepared we may be,” Bruce said of the wisdom Somers imparted to him.
“But she will live through me as she taught me to be kind, to be present, to love and be loved, to care, to express, and to always speak from the heart… because THAT is the voice of God. Mom, you left me with all the tools, though I’ll still need your guiding spirit around me. I feel you and know you are there.”
Somers’ son went on to say, “I will miss your sweet hand and caring eyes that would look deep into my soul for verification that everything was okay. Thank you for being the best mother any son could ever dream of. I miss you already. Call me greedy, but 57 years wasn’t enough. And yet, I received more love than I could ever imagine.”
Paying tribute to the American Graffiti star on what would have been her 77th birthday, Bruce wrote: “I love you so dearly. Happy Birthday on what would have been your 77th birthday. Please gorge on all the birthday cake you want while you make all the other angels sing, dance, laugh, and cry.”
Bruce concluded his heartbreaking message by noting: “Today, Heaven is lucky.”
Our thoughts continue to go out to Somers’ family, friends, and fans.