‘Austin Powers’ star Verne Troyer died after completing suicide, a coroner has ruled.
The US actor, best known for playing Mini-Me in the film franchise, died aged 49 in April.
Verne, who was born with a form of dwarfism that stopped him growing past 2ft 8ins, spent the final three weeks of his life in hospital in Los Angeles for alcohol intoxication.
Following an autopsy and further tests, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said on Wednesday Troyer died on April 21 from the effects of alcohol, ruling his death was a suicide.
A statement posted on Verne’s official Facebook page following his death read: “It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today.
“Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.
“Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he’s struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
“Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside.
“Be kind to one another. And always know, it’s never too late to reach out to someone for help.”
He starred in over two dozen films during his career, including 2001’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, playing the banker goblin Griphook, and as Percy in Terry Gilliam’s ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’ (2009).
In 2009 he appeared on the UK version of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ and also made several appearances on ’Celebrity Juice’ and in Keith Lemon’s ‘Keith Lemon: The Film’.
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