Michael Madsen's Death Mystery Deepens With His Sobriety Journey

Michael Madsen's death continues to be a bitter pill to swallow, especially because he was finally going to make things right regarding alcoholism.

The American actor reportedly took proactive steps to overcome his alcohol addiction and turn his life around for the better before he suddenly passed.

Michael Madsen reportedly struggled with many lows before his death, including depression, marital problems, and the heartbreaking loss of his son, who died by suicide at age 26.

Sources close to the prolific actor shared that he was sober and alcohol-free till his passing a few days ago. However, Madsen's mental state was unknown to people around him in the days and weeks leading up to his death.

The people around him reportedly believed and hoped the actor was sticking to the conditions of his sobriety; death was not part of the plan at all.

Madsen's adult years have been marked by a series of trips in and out of rehabilitation centers due to the level of his addiction to alcohol. In addition to his efforts at overcoming his situation, the star has also established a mentoring program in a Malibu rehab to help people with similar addictions.

The actor's rep believed that he had suffered a cardiac arrest before his death, as his family awaits an official report on the cause of his death. According to TMZ, Madsen was discovered unconscious and unresponsive at his Malibu residence last Thursday.

The late TV star's death came as a rude shock to some of his pals. Madsen reportedly received a squeaky-clean medical report from the doctor, as confirmed by his friend and assistant, Dougie Smith.

Smith reported that his boss had visited UCLA Medical Center the previous Friday for a check-up regarding a nagging shoulder injury he sustained in a horseback riding accident two years prior. 

Although he had been contemplating surgery for a damaged rotator cuff, Madsen decided to use a brace instead, considering his busy schedule ahead. 

The accident had also led to a minor brain bleed, which necessitated a PET scan to discover or assess the risk of any complications. Remarkably, Smith noted that Madsen was declared fully fit after the scan, making his unexpected death even more shocking.

The TV star made a major decision last year when he filed for divorce from his wife, DeAnna, whom he had been married to since 1996. Madsen, in his divorce filing, claimed he had endured years of abuse from his estranged wife.

He also accused her of being the reason behind their son's suicide. The actor blamed his ex-wife's "neglect, drinking, and alcoholism" as the reason why their son, Hudson, died.

Madsen emphasized that they left each other due to irreconcilable differences and had been separated since January 2022. He, however, recanted this statement a month later, claiming that he had no desire to end their marriage and she played no role in Hudson's suicide.

"It was a horrible loss and choice that was made for reasons that truly cannot ever be known because the person is gone, I don't think my son is dead, I think he escaped from a life that didn't make sense anymore," Madsen continued in his statement.

Before his thwarted divorce from DeAnna, the star reportedly engaged in a physical tussle with DeAnna by pushing her and locking her outside their home in Los Angeles.

The couple was reportedly engaged in a conversation with law enforcement, who then took him into custody for charges of battery misdemeanor under Penal Code 243(e)(1).

The code accused the actor of allegedly using force or violence against a cohabitant. His wife, however, refused to let the medics treat her after their intervention.

Madsen reportedly posted a $20,000 bond shortly after his arrest, leading to his release from custody. The domestic violence case was eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence to make anything stick to the actor.

DeAnna also explained much later, after Madsen's release, that the actor had struggles of his own, and his immediate family, including herself and their kids, were supporting him to the fullest.

Last year, The Blast reported that Madsen's death spelled an abrupt end to many of his projects, which he had planned for his release itinerary before he passed away.

According to a statement by his manager, Susan Ferris, and his publicist, Liz Rodriguez, he has been working independently for approximately two years on several productions.

The projects include "upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives." The actor was looking forward to the next chapter in his life, which also involved releasing a new book titled "Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems." Ferris and Rodriguez shared that the book is currently being edited, but did not fail to give him props as being one of "Hollywood's most iconic actors," who will be sorely missed.

May Michael Madsen's soul find its well-deserved rest!