Carl Weathers on June 11, 2023.Photo:Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Carl Weathers' cause of death has been revealed.
Weathers’ death certificate stated that the actor was inside his home in Venice, California, when he died at 12:18 a.m. local time, per the outlet.
According to The Blast, the document stated that investigators declared Weathers’ manner of death as “natural" and noted that he had suffered from heart disease for years. It also listed that the actor’s son, Matthew Weathers, was the individual who informed authorities of Weathers' death.
The Blast reported that Weathers' family will take home his ashes following his cremation.
A representative for Weathers, as well as the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Carl Weathers on Oct. 23, 2022.Ethan Miller/Getty
Ethan Miller/Getty
Weathers' family announced his death in a statement, noting that the lateRockyandPredatoractor “died peacefully in his sleep” the preceding day, perDeadlineandVariety.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the family said in its statement.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend,” the statement added.
Weathers played professional football in the NFL in the early 1970s, before he embarked on an acting career that lasted more than forty years. He notably starred oppositeSylvester Stallonein theRockyfranchise as boxer Apollo Creed, starting with the 1976 original.
The actor also costarred withArnold Schwarzeneggerin 1987’sPredatorand, most recently, he played the character Greef Karga in theStar Warsseries,The Mandalorian,which earned him anEmmy Awardnominationin 2021.
Weathers also took on a voice role inToy Story 4and had a recurring role on all three of Dick Wolf’s NBCChicagoseries in recent years.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Stallone, 77, was among a number of celebrities topay tribute to Weathersfollowing the news of his death.
“We lost a legend yesterday," the actor and filmmaker wrote onInstagram, alongside an emotional tribute video. “My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching."
Carl Weathers on Feb. 28, 2023.Jesse Grant/Getty
Jesse Grant/Getty
The actor was also known for his role as Chubbs in Adam Sandler’s 1996’s golf comedyHappy Gilmore, as well as for playing a fictionalized version of himself onArrested Development.
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete,” Sandler, 57, wrote in his own tribute to Weathers onInstagram. “So much fun to be around always.”
source: people.com
