‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ star David Gail’s cause of death was drug-related, new details reveal: ‘He lived in enough pain’

Jack Hobbs
·4 min read
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Several of Gail's
Tribute was paid to Gail by several of his "90210" co-stars, including Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, his character's fiancée on the Fox show.
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“Beverly Hills, 90210” star David Gail’s cause of death was drug-related, new details reveal. The actor died last month at age 58.

According to Gail’s publicist, the star died from anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury resulting from lack of blood, following resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest due to drug intoxication from substances including amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl.

Gail’s mother, Mary Painter, opened up about her heartbreaking loss in a statement to People.

According to an autopsy, the actor reportedly died from anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain condition resulting from lack of blood following his resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by consuming substances including amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl. ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection
According to an autopsy, the actor reportedly died from anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain condition resulting from lack of blood following his resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by consuming substances including amphetamines, cocaine, ethanol and fentanyl. ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Prior to this new information, a rep for the actor told The Post that Gail, 58, had died due to complications from sudden cardiac arrest. ©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Prior to this new information, a rep for the actor told The Post that Gail, 58, had died due to complications from sudden cardiac arrest. ©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

“It breaks my heart to learn that my son died this way,” Painter said. “David became reliant on medicine many years ago, after multiple surgeries on his hands and wrists.”

“He lived in enough pain to prevent him from working for almost a decade, with relief only achieved through full disability, physical therapy and pain medicine,” she continued. “He struggled to stop taking pharmaceuticals and did before turning toward a more Eastern pain management including acupuncture and natural medicines.

“I can only assume that his former opioid dependence played a part in self-medicating from uncontrolled sources,” Painter said, adding that she hopes her son’s death serves as a message about the dangers of pharmaceutical addiction and the high cost of the fentanyl epidemic.

“David’s death shines a light on the countless innocent victims of pharmaceutical addiction and the fentanyl epidemic that has taken so many of our sons and daughters,” she went on. “Please keep David, and others battling pain or dependence, in your thoughts and prayers.”

Last month, a rep for the actor told The Post that Gail died due to complications from sudden cardiac arrest.

The “Port Charles” alum had been found unresponsive by emergency personnel who then performed CPR and defibrillation on him.

According to the rep, the “Port Charles” alum had been found unresponsive by emergency personnel who then performed CPR and defibrillation on him. Beck Starr/FilmMagic
According to the rep, the “Port Charles” alum had been found unresponsive by emergency personnel who then performed CPR and defibrillation on him. Beck Starr/FilmMagic
Painter said she hopes her son’s death serves as a message about the dangers of pharmaceutical addiction and the high cost of the fentanyl epidemic.. ©Aaron Spelling Prods/Courtesy Everett Collection
Painter said she hopes her son’s death serves as a message about the dangers of pharmaceutical addiction and the high cost of the fentanyl epidemic.. ©Aaron Spelling Prods/Courtesy Everett Collection

The “Growing Pains” star was then put on life support but was pronounced dead a few days later, on Jan. 16.

Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, publicly announced the passing of her brother via Instagram at the time.

“There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone with me,” she wrote alongside a photo of the siblings hugging.

The “Robin’s Hood” star was put on life support but was pronounced dead a few days later, on Jan. 16. ©USA Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection
The “Robin’s Hood” star was put on life support but was pronounced dead a few days later, on Jan. 16. ©USA Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection
Tribute was paid to the late actor by several of his “90210” co-stars, including Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, his character’s fiancée on the Fox show. Courtesy Everett Collection
Tribute was paid to the late actor by several of his “90210” co-stars, including Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, his character’s fiancée on the Fox show. Courtesy Everett Collection

“The bears will never be the same but I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being missing you every second of every day forever there will never be another,” she added.

Painter also shared a statement thanking Gail’s fans for the “outpouring of love.”

“We are extremely touched by the outpouring of love from David’s dedicated fans and colleagues,” Painter said in a statement at the time. “We are grateful for all the support received during this very difficult time.”

Tribute was paid to Gail by several of his “90210” co-stars, including Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, his character’s fiancée on the Fox show.

Doherty, 52, posted a photo of herself as Brenda and Gail as Stuart Carson dancing together on set. She did not include a caption.

Carson, who joined the show in Season 4, appeared in eight episodes before the characters’ engagement ended due to his drug-dealing history.

Gail is survived by his son, Guthier, and by Katie and his mother.