The cause of death for C.W. Morgan has been revealed.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has determined that the "Scream" actor died on Aug. 30 at age 72 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to People and Page Six. His manner of death was listed as natural, the outlets reported, citing the death certificate.
The actor, born Curtis Wade Morgan, was found in a hallway bathroom of a Los Angeles apartment building, according to medical examiner records obtained by USA TODAY on Oct. 8.
Following Morgan's death, his daughter Renata Macfie shared a tribute on Facebook, writing, "I’m never going to have the right words for this post. Loosing you has left the biggest hole in my heart."
"I miss you endlessly already," she wrote.
"I will carry on our Mulholland drives and our Starbucks outings. I’m grateful and lucky to have had you as my daddy. My Guck. Rest easy bubby. Life will never be the same without you and your poorly timed jokes that I inherited from you. Love you endlessly (no more fighting about that anymore I win)"
What is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?
Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Plaque can also rupture, causing blood clots that may lead to heart attacks and strokes, according, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The American Heart Association notes that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) results from plaque buildup in arterial walls and that ASCVD-related conditions are "the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally."
Atherosclerosis typically does not cause symptoms until an artery is significantly narrowed or blocked. Symptoms depend on which arteries are affected.
According to the AHA, if the affected arteries supply the heart, symptoms may include chest pain or pressure, known as angina. If the arteries supply the brain, symptoms may include sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, trouble speaking, slurred speech, sudden or temporary vision loss in one eye or facial drooping.
C.W. Morgan rose to fame in iconic horror film 'Scream'
Morgan was born in Bisbee, Arizona, and launched his acting career in 1991, earning his first onscreen gig on two episodes of "Midnight Caller." The following year, he appeared in the TV movie "The Last of His Tribe," and later appeared in an episode of "Æon Flux" in 1995.
His breakout role came in 1996 when he landed the part of Hank Loomis in the original Wes Craven-directed "Scream" film. Morgan's character was a prominent lawyer and father of Skeet Ulrich's Billy, one of the Ghostface killers.
Morgan reprised the role for a cameo in the horror franchise's "Scream 3" in 2000, which revealed that Hank had a secret affair with Maureen Prescott, the mother of Neve Campbell's main character Sidney Prescott, which broke up the Loomis family and drove Billy to murder.
That marked one of Morgan's final acting credits. While he remained out of the spotlight, he shared updates about his life over the years on his social media.
Contributing: Charles Trepany, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Scream' actor C.W. Morgan's cause of death at 72 revealed
