In news from the Los Angeles County medical Examiner, Lindsey Pearlman’s death has been ruled a suicide. Pearlman rose to fame with small roles on General Hospital, Sneaky Pete and American Housewife. Most recently, the actress, age 43 was a cast member on the Fox network series, Empire. The LA coroner notes that Pearlman’s death was the result of sodium nitrite toxicity. This product, commonly used in food preservation or as an anti-microbial agent is toxic when ingested. Sadly, it has become more common as method of self harm or suicide, as reported in Forensic Science and Research (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12024-022-00471-8). Sodium nitrite is potentially fatal when ingested, since it prevents red blood cells from transporting oxygen, essentially causing asphyxiation.

Pearlman was reported missing on February 13, 2022 and her body was found outside Runyon Canyon near Hollywood on February 18, 2022. Reports from loved ones suggest that the Empire actress had been struggling with issues of mental health for some time. Lindsey’s sister and cousin asked the public to reach out for help by calling the national suicide hotline, suggesting in the early days of the investigation that Pearlman’s death was in fact the result of suicide. Pearlman’s husband, Vance Smith, used Instagram to confirm his wife’s death. He wrote, “The police found Lindsey. She’s gone,” before adding: “I’m broken.”

Lindsey Pearlman leaves behind loved ones who are left wondering why the critically acclaimed actress struggled with mental health without reaching out for help. The National Suicide Hotline is committed to providing quick confidential space for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. They emphasize that anyone who is considering suicide, can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or by texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The hotline can also be reached online by going to 988lifeline.org.