South African model-turned-actress Charlbi Dean’s cause of death has been revealed after she suddenly passed away from an ‘unexpected sudden illness’ in August.
The New York City medical examiner determined that Dean – who was just 32 – died of bacterial sepsis, as spokesperson confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday. The sepsis was a ‘complication from asplenia (the absence of a spleen).’
Dean had her spleen removed over 10 years ago after suffering ‘remote blunt trauma to her torso’ in a major car accident in 2009.
Revealed: South African model-turned-actress Charlbi Dean’s cause of death has been revealed after she suddenly passed away from an ‘unexpected sudden illness’ in August; the star seen in 2021
According to the outlet, Dean had at some point become infected with a bacteria known as Capnocytophaga.
The bacteria, which comes in several forms, is ‘commonly found in the mouths of people, dogs, and cats,’ as per the CDC.
Those with weakened immune systems – such as those who’ve had spleen removal – are at the most risk.
The bacteria ‘can enter the blood stream, which can lead to infection in various parts of the body.’
The New York City medical examiner determined that Dean – who was just 32 – died of bacterial sepsis, as spokesperson confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday. The sepsis was a ‘complication from asplenia (the absence of a spleen)’; seen in June
This can lead to blood infection, endocarditis (the inflammation of the lining of the heart), abscesses as well as inflammation of ‘eyes, face, lymph nodes, or brain membranes.’
Being that the full autopsy has not been revealed, it remains unclear what led to Dean’s infection. The medical examiner has ruled her death an accident.
Dean died at a New York City hospital on August 29.
RIP: Dean died at a New York City hospital on August 29. Her death came just weeks before the release of the Oscar-tipped satirical comedy Triangle of Sadness which was set to make her a star
Engaged: Four months prior she got engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Luke Chase Volker, on the same Manhattan street as their first kiss
Her death came just weeks before the release of the Oscar-tipped satirical comedy Triangle of Sadness which was set to make her a star.
Four months prior she got engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Luke Chase Volker, on the same Manhattan street as their first kiss.
Dean owned homes in the Hollywood Hills, New York City, and her Cape Town hometown where she and the 26-year-old South African model lived with their dog Kanicki Deathbat Dean.
October 23 family portrait: Charlbi owned homes in the Hollywood Hills, New York City, and her Cape Town hometown where she and the 26-year-old South African model (L) lived with their dog Kanicki Deathbat Dean
So sad: Dean (last name Kriek) is also survived by her parents, Johan and Joanne Kriek, as well as her brother Alexi Jacobs Kriek (not pictured)
‘May heaven be all you ever imagined’: Alexi had written a poem, unaware about who it would be about, but ‘life has answered my question in the most cruel way’ as he posted it on Instagram in his sister’s memory on Tuesday
Dean (last name Kriek) is also survived by her parents, Johan and Joanne Kriek, as well as her brother Alexi Jacobs Kriek.
Alexi had written a poem, unaware about who it would be about, but ‘life has answered my question in the most cruel way’ as he posted it on Instagram in his sister’s memory a day after her passing.
Among Charlbi’s many friends was Cuban actress Ana de Armas, who’s famous for her ex-boyfriend Ben Affleck as well as her upcoming role as Marilyn Monroe in Netflix’s Blonde.
She was loved: Among Charlbi’s many friends was Cuban actress Ana de Armas (L, pictured in 2017), who’s famous for her ex-boyfriend Ben Affleck as well as her upcoming role as Marilyn Monroe in Netflix’s Blonde
Stunning: Charlbi Dean poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film Triangle of Sadness at the 75th international film festival, Cannes, southern France on May 21
On the rise: Audiences might be familiar with the up-and-coming actress for her roles in The CW’s Black Lightning in 2018 (pictured), Perry Lang’s 2018 film An Interview with God, or Donovan Marsh’s 2010 film Spud and its 2013 sequel
Audiences might be familiar with the up-and-coming actress for her roles in The CW’s Black Lightning in 2018, Perry Lang’s 2018 film An Interview with God, or Donovan Marsh’s 2010 film Spud and its 2013 sequel.
Dean’s final acting role was portraying model Yaya opposite Woody Harrelson in Ruben Östlund’s shipwreck satirical comedy Triangle of Sadness.
It premiered in US theaters October 7 and UK theaters on October 28.
Coming soon! Dean’s final acting role was portraying model Yaya opposite Woody Harrelson (M) in Ruben Östlund’s shipwreck satirical comedy Triangle of Sadness, which hits US theaters October 7 and UK theaters October 28