Ray Liotta’s Cause of Death Revealed

Nearly one year after Ray Liotta died, his cause of death has been attributed to heart and respiratory system issues, according to documents obtained by gossip website TMZ.

Per the outlet, the Goodfellas star suffered from respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and acute heart failure. Additionally, Liotta also suffered from atherosclerosis, a thickening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining. According to Liotta's publicist Jennifer Allen, Liotta was in the Dominican Republic filming his new movie Dangerous Waters and died in his sleep at the age of 67. She added that there was nothing suspicious about his death and no foul play was suspected.

News on his cause of death also comes nearly five months after what would have been his 68th birthday. Liotta's fiancée, Jacy Nittolo, and his 24-year-old daughter Karsen (who he shared with his ex-wife Michelle Grace) paid tribute to the late actor on December 18. Referencing a quote, Nittolo wrote on Instagram: "'The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.'" The couple got engaged in 2020. She continued in the heartfelt slideshow post: "Today Ray would have been 68. I believe he created a lot for everyone that will live on forever. Especially in the hearts of Ray's sister Linda, his daughter Karsen and myself. Today we celebrate you."

Karsen, who is an actress, also shared touching words of her own honoring her dad's legacy. "Happy birthday to my dad," she wrote alongside a series of throwback photos posted to Instagram Stories at the time. "I love and miss you more than I can put into words." Less than a month after his passing, she posted a throwback photo of herself as a child with her father. She captioned the sweet pic, "Those who knew him, loved him. You are the best Dad anyone could ask for. I love you. Thank you for everything."

Celebrities and fans alike paid tribute to legendary actor Ray Liotta, who sadly passed away in his sleep at the age of 67 in the Dominican Republic while filming the movie Dangerous Waters.

See what folks had to say below of the Goodfellas actor:

I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray.
I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is Goodfellas. Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the same…Ray Liotta.

Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear.

RIP Ray Liotta, 67.
Brilliant actor, loved him in Goodfellas. Sad news.

I can’t believe Ray Liotta has passed away. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person. Working with him was one of the great joys of my career and we made some of my favorite scenes I ever got to be in. A true legend of immense skill and grace.

RIP Ray Liotta. I feel so lucky to have squared off against this legend in one of his final roles. The scenes we did together were among the all time highlights of my acting career. He was dangerous, unpredictable, hilarious, and generous with his praise for other actors.Too soon.

I’m really sad to hear that Ray Liotta has passed away. He was an friend back in the day and it’s very sad. We had a lot of laughs Rest In Peace My friend.

RIP GOODFELLA Ray Liotta. I adored you. I love knowing you all those years ago.

RIP the great Ray Liotta, who could make movies feel chaotic in the best way.

RIP Ray Liotta!! Loved your work.

Ray Liotta. Man. Just met dude for the first time last year. GREAT actor. Nice to have had a chance to say that to him. RIP.