John Dye Dies: What Killed "Touched by an Angel" Star?

John Dye (River City Entertainment/Catchlight Films)

(CBS/AP) John Dye, best known for his role as the angel of death on the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel," was found dead on Monday at his San Francisco home, a medical examiner's spokesman said Thursday. He was 47.

The cause of death hasn't been determined, according to medical examiner investigator Charles Cecil, but relatives said Dye suffered apparent heart failure.

The condition, also known as congestive heart failure, is a chronic condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. As the heart's pumping ability declines, blood can back up in other areas of the body, damaging organs and causing fluid buildup in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and the arms and legs.

Heart failure often develops gradually in the aftermath of a heart attack, though it can also come on suddenly - sometimes the result of an infection.

As news of Dye's death began to spread Thursday afternoon, his "Touched by an Angel" co-star Valerie Bertinelli posted a message to him on her Twitter account: "Dear, sweet John Dye, rest in peace."

Dye, a Mississippi native, also appeared in the martial-arts movie "The Best of the Best" and had small roles on "Murder, She Wrote" and other television shows. He landed the part of the Angel of Death on "Touched by an Angel" in 1994 and appeared in all nine seasons of the CBS series.

[M_Dye]

Unbelievable that someone would be so reckless and careless to make these accusations publicly. Hide behind that screen now, but I have a feeling you are about to see a nice fat lawsuit over this.

[Jay4529]

I was shock that I didn't know that John Dye had died. I know God took his acting skills and turned him into a real angel. John My heart goes out to your family and friends. You are still the best. REST in Peace and keep moving with us all.

[Lillian_Ruttan]

I love that show Touched By An Angel .. I will miss John Dye very much .. He played the Angel of Death very well .. He made forget my worries of dying .. Now when my time comes, I will not be afraid and I will see John Dye again .. but in our Spiritual bodies .. ones that will never suffer anything, like these physical bodies do .. Miss you John .. see you again one day .. Rest peacefully in our Father's strong arms until we meet

[MzWings2011]

I just wanted to say I am so sorry and heartbroken, he was a good actor, and that he will be missed. As someone who has lived and loved someone with this bad disease called congestive heart failure, NO one has the right to say anything about the way this poor man died. Please be respectful to the deceased and his family and if you want to know more about the disease do some research about congestive heart failure, I just thought I would put in my too sense. The One I loved was killed by this terrible disease therefore it breaks my heart that others have this horrific disease.
Thanks for listening.

[drjoeyMDPhD]

I am seriously late into the discussion, but I am a physician, but not a cardiologist (although Board-certified in the the following ares: General (I think it's still called at), Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Forsenic Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Regimen:. I always have been pretty good with Internal Medicine and my big bro is a world-class cardiothoracic surgeon.

A few years?ago, the Washing Post fulfilled dual responsibilities of reporting the news, Though of us who know the media can tell you . That's the Post's history; I worked for the Detroit Free Press for close to a year right after. Except for a few columns here and there, I only knew I wanted out and God gave me to brains to become one of those REALLY smart people who usually don't listen to the next advice than they can get

I've been practicing psychiatry for almost 30 years Humans count, not headlines, but actually and mine are from "humans" range from adolescents to senior citizen. If there is a "Cautionary Tale" here, I hope a Times or Post reporter is assigned to the story

DrJoey, MD,PhD

[beccaone]

Although I never knew John I absolutely adored him through his work.

I always imagined him to be a very compassionate and caring individual, with strong convictioons. I know his roles were just that, roles he played however I absolutely loved him.

John, I pray you rest in peace and always know how loved you have been.

[babybeatlegirl]

Oh my God, how my heart hurts. All I can say for now, is, if he was "just
acting", no matter- what was meant to be accomplished was indeed
accomplished. I conquered the fear of death through the death of a loved
one. I'm willing to bet that there are many that lost theirs though John's
portrayal. He (deliberately and/or inadvertently) bought comfort to many.
I choose to believe deliberately. I know I'll see him again.
God bless you forever, angel boy

Suzanne

[dancomputer8]

Ap's David W Freeman got his biography wrong.

John Dye played the angel of death in touched by an angel.

But only after the first 2 angels of death didn't work out.

Season One (1994) Charles Rocket played Adam the angel of death.

And then Season Two (1995) they brought in another actor to play the angel of death.
Then I Believe towards the end of season two they hired John Dye to play the role of Andrew (angel of death).

originally it was just a Recurring role.
But then he acted so well in the role CBS hired him for the rest of the series. So he was a permanent cast member the Beginning of Season 3 of Touched By an Angel.

So from 1995 or 1996 to 2003 he was on touched by an angel.

Your information was wrong.

[YrWrongAgain]

He is with Jordan Rice and Christina Green at the right hand of Saint John Paul II.

[womantrvlr]

I live in Utah and was fortunate to work as an extra on Touched for 9 years on and off and John Dye was always a friendly, nice guy on set. Will miss you John.

[pelican1965]

He brought a somber mood to the show which made his part all the more believable and important. So sorry to hear of his early release from this life, but early entrance into the next.