The cause of legendary actor Ray Liotta’s sudden death in May 2022 has been disclosed, one year after he passed away while filming “Dangerous Waters” in the Dominican Republic.

A coroner’s report obtained by TMZ revealed that Liotta’s death resulted from pulmonary edema, respiratory insufficiency, and acute heart failure, with atherosclerosis as an underlying issue.

Atherosclerosis, a slowly-developing disease that often remains undetected until severe, affects approximately 50% of Americans aged 45 to 84, according to the US National Institutes of Health. The condition’s most common symptom is painful muscle cramps in the hips and legs when walking, and it can also cause a “mini-stroke,” or transient ischemic attack.

Liotta’s sudden passing shocked his family and fans. He left behind his daughter, Karsen, and his fiancée, Jacy Nittolo, who had accompanied him on the movie set. In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Nittolo described the Goodfellas actor’s character as beautiful and their chemistry as “wild in the best way.” The couple was seen holding hands just days before Liotta’s death, showing they cherished each other’s presence until the end.

In February 2023, Liotta received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Karsen spoke on her father’s behalf, calling him a “one-of-a-kind” actor and an exceptional friend, brother, and father. She ended her speech by emphasizing the profound impact her father had on those around him, stating that everyone deserves a “Ray” in their life.