Actor Alan Thicke died of ruptured aorta, coroner says
LOS ANGELES (WPVI) -- The official cause of death has been released for actor Alan Thicke, who died last week at the age of 69.
According to the coroner's office, Thicke suffered a ruptured aorta and died several hours later during surgery.
The actor, who played the beloved father in "Growing Pains", collapsed in California while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son.
PHOTOS: Alan Thicke through the years
The wife of Thicke says her family is working through "profound mourning" after his death.
Tanya Thicke says her husband was laid to rest Monday. She says in a statement, "It is with gut wrenching sadness and unbelievable grief that I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time."
She described Thicke as "my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family."
Another of Thicke's relatives posted pictures on Facebook of a Sunday memorial for the "Growing Pains" star that showed some of Thicke's cast mates from the sitcom in attendance, including Leonardo DiCaprio.
Thicke also leaves a son, Carter, from his marriage to second wife Gina Tolleson. He had been married to Tanya Callau since 2005.
IN MEMORIAM: Celebrities and notable figures who have recently passed away
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
