'Goodfellas' Star Ray Liotta Cause Of Death Revealed

Almost one year ago, in May 2022, actor Ray Liotta passed away at the age of 67.

The prolific character actor was best known for starring in “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams.” Although it was reported that he passed away in his sleep while filming “Dangerous Waters” in the Dominican Republic, little information was released about his cause of death.

One year later, fans are starting to get answers to his tragic passing.

On Monday morning, TMZ revealed that Ray Liotta’s cause of death had been determined by officials in the Dominican Republic. Officials categorized his death as “natural and nonviolent” according to the court documents and said that he passed away from “fluid in his lungs” caused by respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary edema. They also claimed the actor suffered acute heart failure.

The court documents also state that he suffered from atherosclerosis, which is a thickening of the arteries that is caused by a build-up of plaque along the inner linings of the artery itself. Risk factors include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity, according to John Hopkins Medicine.

No foul play was suspected in the death of the actor. He had been filming “Dangerous Waters” in the Dominican Republic and reportedly passed away in his sleep. His fiancée, Jacy Nittolo, was actually with him in the country while he was working on the project. He leaves behind a daughter, Karsen Liotta, from his previous marriage to Michelle Grace.

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" director James Mangold tweeted, “Shocked and saddened to hear of Ray Liotta’s passing. Beyond the tough guy exterior and the tightly wound emotions of his signature characters, he was a sweet, playful and passionate collaborator and brilliant actor. RIP.”

“The Princess Bride” actor Cary Elwes tweeted, “Very sad to hear the news this morning about the passing of #RayLiotta. An extraordinary talent whose remarkable performances left an indelible mark on the screen. Our deepest condolences to his family. RIP Ray.”

“Westworld” actor Jeffrey Wright tweeted, “Ray Liotta. Man. Just met [the] dude for the first time last year. GREAT actor. Nice to have had a chance to say that to him. RIP.”

"Everything Everywhere All At Once" actress and newly minted Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis also took to Twitter to share her condolences, writing, "Ray Liotta has died. His work as an actor showed his complexity as a human being. A gentle man. So sad to hear."

"Alien" actress Sigourney Weaver worked with the late actor on the 2001 American romantic crime comedy film called “Heartbreakers.” According to the film’s synopsis:

"A mother and daughter work the sweetest of frauds. The mum marries a rich guy, then the daughter gets him into a compromising position, and then the mum walks away with a big divorce settlement. In a twist of fate, the mother fall for their new target, a tycoon, and the daughter for a $3 million beach bar owner."

Shortly after his passing, the "Avatar" actress told PEOPLE that Ray was “a true original," teasing, “Ray’s lovesick gangster, Dean, is the real heartbreaker in ‘Heartbreakers.’”

“Loaded with charm and physical ease, Ray was a natural in comedy and just a doll to work with. We had such a good time,” she continued, noting that Ray wasn’t usually known for his sense of humor, but mentioned that he “brought impeccable timing and wit to everything he did.”

She added that the "Goodfellas" actor was “a true original and a lovely guy, gone much too soon.”