One month after the death of comedian and TV dad Bob Saget, fans have learned the official cause of death. While initial reports speculated a heart attack, it has been confirmed that the 65-year-old Full House alum died from head trauma after accidentally hitting his head.
No drugs or alcohol were involved in the comedian’s passing.
“The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma,” the Saget family said in an official statement on Wednesday, as per “People.”
“They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved.”
When the autopsy was completed last month, it was confirmed that no foul play was involved in Bob’s passing.
“An autopsy was performed this morning on Robert Lane Saget. Mr. Saget is a 65-year-old male, who was found unresponsive in his hotel room. At this time, there is no evidence of drug use or foul play,” chief medical examiner of Orange and Osceola Counties, Joshua Stephany, said in a press release on January 10.
TMZ reports that police aren’t sure what the comedian hit his head on that night but speculated it could have been his headboard.
Whatever happened left a significant bruise on the back of Bob’s head, causing a brain bleed.
The 65-year-old’s family said in a statement that they have been “overwhelmed with the incredible outpouring of love from Bob’s fans” in the weeks since his death, and that the support has “been a great comfort to us and for which we are eternally grateful.”
“Now that we have the final conclusions from the authorities’ investigation, we felt it only proper that the fans hear those conclusions directly from us,” they added.
“As we continue to mourn together, we ask everyone to remember the love and laughter that Bob brought to this world, and the lessons he taught us all: to be kind to everyone, to let the people you love know you love them, and to face difficult times with hugs and laughter.”
Fans have taken to social media to share their own stories of loss after head trauma as a reminder to Bob’s fans to take head injuries seriously.
“Take head injuries seriously, even minor ones,” tweeted user @kimt205.
The widow shared that she had lost her partner after he sustained a head injury and died several days later.
In light of this tragic news, it’s important to review proper protocol for what to do when you sustain a head injury.
CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen spoke with People to give concerned fans advice if they find themselves in a similar situation as Bob, or beloved actress Natasja Richardson, who also died of head trauma in 2009.
Though Dr. Wen did not treat Bob, they are still to weigh in with helpful tips: “When you hit your head, you could have bleeding in different ways. An epidural hematoma is a type of brain injury.”
“You can also have a subdural hematoma, another possibility as well.”
Natasha died of an epidural hematoma after a skiing accident.
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“If you have a substantial head injury, tell someone,” Dr. Wen insists.
“Call your doctor if you’re particularly worried, but you should at least tell someone, and don’t be alone. That way, somebody can help to monitor you and make sure that you’re OK.”
Ultimately, you can never be too safe when it comes to brain injuries.
Dr. Wen went on to emphasize that people in a higher risk category should take extra precautions if they’ve hit their head, for example, those on blood thinners, or those who are older.
Last but not least, look out for common symptoms of brain trauma — slurred speech, reduced mobility, weakness, numbness, vomiting, or nausea.
For a full rundown of what to do after sustaining a head injury, please click here.
We’re thinking of Bob’s loved ones during this difficult time.
