Sad truth behind 'True Blood' star's tragic death

The family of True Blood star Nelsan Ellis has revealed he was battling an alcohol addiction which ultimately led to his death.

The actor, who was most known for his role as Lafayette Reynolds in the hit HBO series, passed away at the age of 39 after suffering from complications from heart failure.

A statement released by Nelsan's manager Emily Gerson Saines and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, reads: "Nelsan's father has bravely agreed for me to share the circumstances of Nelsan's heart failure. Nelsan has suffered with drug and alcohol abuse for years. After many stints in rehab, Nelsan attempted to withdraw from alcohol on his own. According to his father, during his withdrawal from alcohol he had a blood infection, his kidneys shut down, his liver was swollen, his blood pressure plummeted and his dear sweet heart raced out of control."

The statement continued: "On the morning of Saturday July 8th, after four days in Woodhull Hospital, Nelsan was pronounced dead. Nelsan was a gentle, generous and kind soul. He was a father, a son, a grandson, a brother, a nephew, and a great friend to those that were lucky enough to know him. Nelsan was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life. His family, however, believes that in death he would want his life to serve as a cautionary tale in an attempt to help others."

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Most recently, Nelsan had a recurring role on the Sherlock Holmes series Elementary.

He had also appeared in acclaimed films The Help, Get on Up, and The Butler.

Nelsan is survived by his father, his grandmother, Alex Brow, and his son, Breon Ellis.

For confidential help, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/

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