Days of Our Lives'Star Drake Hogestyn's Cause of Death Confirmed Less Than 2 Weeks After the Actor Died at 70

Mar. 15, 2025

Drake Hogestyn in Los Angeles, California in October 2023.Photo:Todd Williamson/Peacock

Todd Williamson/Peacock

Drake Hogestyn’s cause of death has been revealed.

The actor was cremated at Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley, and no autopsy was performed following his death.TMZwas first to report the news.

Deirdre Hall and Drake Hogestyn on ‘Days of Our Lives’ circa 2005.Maureen Donaldson/Getty

Maureen Donaldson/Getty

The actor’s family also praised Hogestyn for being an incredible artist and individual who meant much to his family andDays of Our Livescast, crew and production team.

“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” the statement continued. “He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives. -The Hogestyn Family.”

Days of Our Livesexecutive producer Ken Corday told PEOPLE in a statement on Sunday, Sept. 29, that Hogestyn’s death was “very difficult” for everyone involved with the soap.

“Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed,” Corday said. “His impact on the show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

Drake Hogestyn, Eileen Davidson and Deirdre Hall on ‘Days of Our Lives.'.Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Everett

Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Everett

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn originally wanted to become a professional baseball player, even playing for one of the New York Yankees’ farm teams until an injury in 1977. But he found success with acting with a breakout role in the early 1980s in the CBS adventure dramaSeven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Hogestyn first appeared inDays of Our Livesin 1986 in an enigmatic role named “The Pawn” but became a favorite with fans playing John Black. He and former costarDeirdre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, earned a Soap Opera Digest Award in 2005 for Favorite Couple.

In the wake of his death, the actor’s former costars — includingAlison Sweeney, Kristian Alfonso, Christopher Sean andGenie Francis— paid trirbute to Hogestyn on social media.“Drake was incredible man. He was funny, generous, and thoughtful,” Sweeney, 48, wrote onInstagram. “He cared about every single scene, every person. He loves Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

Deirdre Hall and Drake Hogestyn on ‘Days of Our Lives.'.Evans Vestal Ward/Peacock/Getty

Evans Vestal Ward/Peacock/Getty

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Alfonoso, for her part, said she would “always remember” him fondly.“I’ll always remember you as a Loving , Loving father, husband and Dear friend but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, Always," Alfonso, 61, wrote onInstagram. “Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero. Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend ❤️”

source: people.com