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In June 2023, the entertainment world was shocked by the unexpected death ofAlfstar Benji Gregory, who was found in a car alongside his service dog in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona.
Now, three months later, Gregory’s cause of death has been revealed, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his tragic passing at the age of 46.
Gregory, best known for portraying Brian Tanner on the popular 80s sitcomAlf, had been out of the spotlight for many years.
However, his sudden and tragic death has brought him back into public discussion, sparking both sadness and curiosity.
The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner has confirmed that Gregory’s death was a result of heat exposure, further complicated by a medical condition known as hepatic cirrhosis—a serious liver disease.
On June 13, 2023, Gregory was discovered inside his vehicle in the parking lot of aChase Bank. His service dog, Hans, was found beside him.
Though he appeared to have gone to the bank to deposit residual checks, as some close to him suggest, it is believed that Gregory fell asleep in the car on June 12 and tragically succumbed to vehicular heatstroke.
This dangerous condition occurs when a person is left in a hot, confined space, like a car, which can quickly reach deadly temperatures in the Arizona summer.
Despite this tragic outcome, one thing remains clear: Gregory’s death was more than just an unfortunate accident.
His medical history and personal struggles seem to have played a role in his vulnerability to the extreme heat that took his life.
Heat Exposure and Hepatic Cirrhosis
The medical report highlights that Gregory’s death was primarily caused by heat exposure, a significant concern in Arizona, where daytime temperatures can soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gregory’s liver condition, hepatic cirrhosis, also contributed to his death.
This disease, which is characterized by the scarring of liver tissue, is often a result of long-term damage to the liver, but the specific cause of Gregory’scirrhosisremains unclear.
Hepatic cirrhosis weakens the body’s ability to regulate various functions, making individuals more susceptible to external factors, such as extreme heat.
The combination of the Arizona heat and Gregory’s underlying health issues led to his tragic passing.
Personal Struggles: Mental Health and Sleep Disorder
In the aftermath of his death, Gregory’s sister Rebecca opened up about her brother’s struggles.
She told TMZ that Gregory had battled depression, bipolar disorder, and a severe sleep disorder that often kept him awake for days on end.
These mental health issues, combined with his physical health challenges, painted a picture of a man who faced immense struggles throughout his life.
Friends and family members close to Gregory believe that his sleep disorder may have played a crucial role in the events leading to his death.
They speculate that he fell asleep in his car on June 12, exhausted from the many sleepless nights, and never woke up, as the intense heat inside the vehicle became fatal.
Though Benji Gregory’s life ended in tragedy, he will forever be remembered for his role as Brian Tanner onAlf, the NBC sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1990.
Alfwas a family favorite, with Gregory playing the youngest child in the Tanner family, who take in the show’s titular alien after he crash-lands in their garage.
The series followed the Tanner family’s attempts to hide Alf from nosy neighbors and government officials, resulting in many humorous situations.
The show also starred Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, and Andrea Elson, and Gregory’s character was one of the most beloved on the show.
His performance as the innocent, wide-eyed Brian endeared him to fans across the country.
BeyondAlf, Gregory had other notable roles in television and film. He appeared inFantastic Max,The A-Team,T.J. Hooker, andThe Twilight Zone.
He also made guest appearances on the sitcomPunky Brewsteras an orphan named Dash. His film credits include a role in the 1986 comedyJumpin’ Jack Flash.
Despite his early success, Gregory chose to leave acting in 2003, opting for a quieter life away from the limelight.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson. After a few years of service, Gregory received an honorable medical discharge in 2005.
A Life of Personal Challenges
While Gregory may have left acting behind, his challenges continued to follow him.
His battles with mental health, including depression and bipolar disorder, were significant hurdles that deeply affected his day-to-day life.
The sleep disorder that kept him awake for days on end likely added to the strain, making it even more difficult for Gregory to cope.
Though he attempted to move forward with his life, marrying his wife Sarah in 2006, it remains unclear if they were still together at the time of hisdeath.
Little is known about Gregory’s personal life in the years leading up to his passing, but those close to him have spoken of his kind heart and his ongoing struggles with mental and physical health.
The Aftermath: Honoring Gregory’s Memory
Gregory’s sister Rebecca has suggested that those wishing to honor her brother’s memory consider making donations to organizations that meant a lot to him.
Two charities in particular have been highlighted: TheActorsEquity Foundation, which supports actors in need, and the ASPCA, an organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
These suggested donations reflect both Gregory’s career as an actor and his deep love for animals, a bond exemplified by the fact that his beloved service dog, Hans, was with him until the very end.
Likely went to the bank to deposit residual checks on June 12, 2023
Speculated Immediate Cause
Vehicular heatstroke after falling asleep in the car due to sleep disorder
Official Medical Examiner
Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner
Table: Key Factors Surrounding Benji Gregory’s Death
Conclusion
Benji Gregory’s passing is a stark reminder of howhealthchallenges, both mental and physical, can take a toll on one’s life.
Though his death was caused by heat exposure, the struggles he faced behind the scenes tell a broader story of perseverance, pain, and a desire for privacy in his final years.
As fans ofAlfand those who remember Gregory’s work reflect on his legacy, it is important to remember him not only as a talented actor but also as a person who faced immense challenges.
His life may have been filled with difficulties, but his contributions to television and film, along with his service to the Navy, will not be forgotten.
Former ‘Alf’ Star and His Dog Tragically Found in Car – Heartbreaking News Shocks Fans
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
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