True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis' family reveals the real reason behind his death

Mumbai: Nelsan Ellis, the star of HBO's ' True Blood' died of heart failure as a result of alcohol withdrawal complications, according to a statement issued by Nelsan's family.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ellis' family, through his manager Emily Gerson Saines has revealed the exact circumstances around the beloved actor's passing.

Ellis died Saturday of heart failure.

The statement told in deatil the painful moments that led up to his untimely passing in hopes that it would help others who may be struggling with addiction.

The statement read, "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."

Adding, "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."

The actor was born in Harvey, Illinois (USA). He attended Thorn Ridge High School in Dolton, and later attended Oxford University and Columbia College in Chicago before graduating from the famed Juilliard School.

He appeared in numerous film and TV shows, including ' The Soloist', ' The Butler', ' Get on Up' and ' Elementary'.