Cause of death of entertainment reporter Sam Rubin announced

The official cause of death of Sam Rubin has been announced.

The Los Angeles County Coroner announced on Tuesday, July 9, that the longtime entertainment reporter died of “ischemic heart disease secondary to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (fatal heart attack due to lack of blood and oxygen to the heart).”

Rubin died at a local hospital on May 10. Earlier that morning, he had experienced stomach pains and his doctor advised him to call 911. He died later that morning in the emergency room. The medical examiner’s office confirmed that “it was a natural death.”

The findings were also shared by KTLA, the news station where Rubin worked for over three decades.

The news agency was the first to announce his death during a live broadcast. Statement on Xformerly Twitter, on May 10.

“KTLA 5 is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sam Rubin,” the statement said.

“Sam was a giant in the local news and entertainment world and a fixture on Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

Rubin’s longtime manager Jamie Gruttemeyer also confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE in May.

“The morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that the loss of Sam is like the loss of a close family friend… Someone who could always lift your spirits, someone who was welcome in your home and always showed up with a smile on their face. Sam will be missed forever,” Gruttemeyer said.

He leaves behind his wife Leslie and their four children, including his teenage son Colby, who delivered a touching tribute to his father on the radio a few days after his death.

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“I love you so much. I hope you heard me say that the day you died. You were the kindest soul. You were the light in every room. I can’t imagine life without you,” he said. “You were a part of me.”