Hugh Hefner’s death certificate listed his cause of death as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, also noting he'd been battling E. coli and septicemia just before his death Friday, The Blast reported after obtaining a copy of the document.
The doctor also said the strain of E. coli had caused a severe blood infection that was “highly resistant to antibiotics.”
Hefner was 91 at the time of his death, and his occupation on the death certificate was listed as “Playboy founder,” The Blast reported.
Hefner died at his mansion in Los Angeles and was laid to rest next to Marilyn Monroe by his family, including 31-year-old wife Crystal Hefner, on Saturday.
Hefner’s wife told People she was “still in disbelief” over Hefner’s death and called him “an American hero,” “a pioneer,” and “a kind and humble soul.”
“I felt how much he loved me. I loved him so much,” she continued. “I am so grateful. He gave me life. He gave me direction. He taught me kindness. ... There never has and never will be another Hugh M. Hefner.”
Despite a prenuptial agreement that stated Hefner’s $43 million estate would go to his four children and a number of charities including the University of Southern California Film School, Crystal Hefner will inherit a multimillion dollar house in Hollywood Hills that her husband bought for her after they married in 2013, according to TMZ. Hefner may also have left his wife $5 million following his death, the outlet reported.
The couple met when Crystal posed for Playboy in 2009 at age 24 and they became engaged a year later.
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