Jean-Marc Vallée: Update On Exact Cause Of Sudden Death

Director Jean-Marc Vallée passed away sometime over the Christmas weekend.

As The Blast previously reported, the 58-year-old director was thought to have passed away from a heart attack on Saturday, Christmas day. He was alone in his lakeside cabin in Quebec City, where he was preparing to celebrate Christmas with guests the following day. It is believed that his guests, who showed up on December 26, were the ones who discovered his body.

Many fans were surprised to hear that Vallée passed away from a heart attack, as Vallée was a fitness enthusiast who abstained from drugs, alcohol, and practiced the Wim Hof Method of health through breathing exercises and meditation.

A new statement from Vallée’s family gives new insight into what led to the death of the director of the HBO series, “Big Little Lies,” although it raises more questions than answers.

According to Deadline, the coroner’s preliminary report stated that they could not establish an exact cause of death for the “Dallas Buyers Club” director. However, the report did indicate that his death was not caused by the intervention of another party or a voluntary act, which rules out the possibility of homicide or suicide.

Many had speculated that it was possible Vallée passed away from COVID-19, but the report indicated that he did not pass away from any known disease. Further analysis is currently underway in order to determine the exact cause of death.

His sons Alex and Emile described their father as “a generous man, deeply human and who lived life to its fullest. He wanted to live a long life and was working on major projects. He was a source of inspiration for many and leaves wonderful memories for those who had the privilege to work with him, to love him, and to appreciate his craft.”

“We wish to thank everyone who took the time to express their sadness and compassion,” they continued. “We are very grateful for the outpouring of support received from around the world.”

Vallée had won an Emmy for directing the hit HBO series “Big Little Lies.” In 2013, he directed “Dallas Buyers Club,” which earned a total of six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

“Big Little Lies” star Reese Witherspoon tweeted, “My heart is broken. My friend. I love you.”

Costar Shailene Woodley said, “I am in shock. Complete and utter shock… It doesn’t make sense though dude. It doesn’t make sense. Maybe when we wake up tomorrow you’ll be there laughing saying it was just a satirical short film you made. That it’s not real.”

Costar Laura Dern tweeted a photo of her with Vallée, writing, “Beautiful Jean-Marc Vallee. The world has lost one of our great and purest artists and dreamers. And we lost our beloved friend. Our hearts are broken.”

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, “Jean-Marc Vallée’s passion for filmmaking and storytelling was unmatched – so too was his talent. Through his work and with his art, he left a mark in Quebec, across Canada, and around the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans as they mourn his sudden passing.”