On April 21, the family of Verne Troyer revealed he had passed away.
Only three weeks earlier, law enforcement and paramedics were called to Troyer's residence as he was reported to be upset, intoxicated, and spoke of suicidal thoughts. TMZ reports that following the actor's stay at the hospital, he had been placed on on a 5150 hold over fears that he would physically harm himself.
Troyer's team quickly posted a message on Instagram, asking for his fans' to send positive vibes his way.
"Asking you to keep Verne in your thoughts and prayers. He's getting the best care possible and is resting comfortably. Appreciate the support from family, friends, and fans around the world."
Sadly, Troyer would lose his years-long battle with alcohol addiction, and died at the age of 49.
"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles."
Following his death, his family released a statement announcing the tragic news.
"It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh.
Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message every day. Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles.
Over the years he's struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much."
Nearly six months after Troyer's passing, an official autopsy report ruled his death a suicide from "sequelae of alcohol intoxication," otherwise known as alcohol abuse.
According to USA Today, Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Martina Kennedy reported that Troyer "reportedly made suicidal ideations" and had "a reported history of depression and chronic alcohol use with recent relapse."
She also added that there weren't any post-mortem toxicology tests conducted as the actor was hospitalized the week he died.
In his career, Troyer gained notoriety for being only 2 ft 8 in tall, as a result of cartilage"“hair hypoplasia, a form of dwarfism.
The actor was most known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers franchise and also played Griphook in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Heartbreakingly only just weeks before Troyer died, he wrote an encouraging Instagram post, saying he was hopeful with his recovery.
"I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day."
"I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help I need. I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this."
