Beloved KTLA 5 News entertainment anchor Sam Rubin died from a heart attack brought on by coronary artery disease, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed on Tuesday.
Rubin, 64, went to a hospital with stomach pain on the morning of May 10 after calling 911. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room shortly after 11 a.m.
In its report, the Medical Examiner’s office said Rubin suffered from “ischemic heart disease due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.”
His heart stopped due to a lack of blood and oxygen. The manner of death was “natural,” the medical examiner said.
The full coroner’s report was expected to be released by the end of the week.
Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide and affects around 126 million people, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and swelling of feet and ankles.
Rubin joined KTLA 5 News in 1991 and quickly gained prominence as one of the nation’s top local news personalities. His vast knowledge of film and television and deep connections made him a celebrity among celebrities in the world’s entertainment capital.
His sudden death was mourned by millions of Angelenos, along with television viewers across the nation and around the world.
Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and his children, Perry, Rory, Darcy and Colby.