
Patrick Muldoon Cause of Death Confirmed: Actor Dies at 57
When news broke that Patrick Muldoon had died at 57, fans of the actor who brought Austin Reed to life on Days of Our Lives felt a sudden quiet. The cause—confirmed by his death certificate as a heart attack—soon filled social feeds, but the full story of his life and relationships deserves a closer look.
Age at death: 57 ·
Date of death: April 19, 2026 ·
Known for: Days of Our Lives, Starship Troopers ·
Marital status at death: Unmarried ·
Public ex-partners: 2 (Denise Richards, Tori Spelling)
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth
- Whether he had children
- Precise dates of relationships
- Death reported April 19, 2026; cremated April 28 (People)
- Public tributes continue from co-stars and former partners
Eight key facts about the actor, drawn from official records and verified reports.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | William Patrick Muldoon III |
| Born | September 27, 1968 |
| Died | April 19, 2026 |
| Age at death | 57 |
| Cause of death | Myocardial infarction (heart attack); underlying pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy (People) |
| Known for | Days of Our Lives, Starship Troopers, Saved by the Bell: The New Class |
| Marital status | Unmarried |
| Ex-partners (public) | Denise Richards, Tori Spelling |
What has Patrick Muldoon died of?
Cause of death confirmed by LA County death certificate
- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health death certificate, reviewed by People, lists the immediate cause as myocardial infarction—a heart attack.
- Underlying causes include a pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy, a blood-clotting disorder (People).
- The death certificate also notes that Muldoon’s remains were cremated on April 28 (People).
Official statement from family or representatives
- Muldoon’s manager first confirmed the sudden death to Variety via People, stating he died Sunday, April 19.
- Deadline also reported at the time that his death followed a heart attack (People).
The implication: The official cause—a heart attack triggered by underlying clotting issues—offers a clear medical explanation, though the family has chosen not to release further details.
Did Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon ever date?
History of their relationship
- Denise Richards and Patrick Muldoon met in their first acting class, according to reports (US Weekly via YouTube).
- They dated in the late 1990s, a period when both were rising stars—Richards through Wild Things and Muldoon through Starship Troopers and Days of Our Lives.
- The relationship was widely covered in tabloids of the era.
Public comments by Richards
- After his death, Richards publicly mourned him, calling him a “wonderful person” and “great friend” (E! News via Instagram).
- She referenced their long friendship and the special bond formed in their early days.
The pattern: Richards and Muldoon shared a deep, decades-long connection that began in a classroom and lasted until his final days.
Did Tori Spelling date Patrick Muldoon?
Relationship timeline
- Tori Spelling and Patrick Muldoon dated in the early 2000s, following his Days of Our Lives fame.
- The relationship was a notable chapter for Spelling, who was establishing her own identity post-Beverly Hills, 90210.
Spelling’s reaction to his death
- Spelling shared a tribute after his passing, crediting him with helping her through a difficult time.
- She posted on social media, recalling his kindness and support.
The takeaway: For Spelling, Muldoon was a stabilizing presence during a turbulent period, and his death reopened old memories for many fans.
Did Patrick Muldoon ever marry?
Marital status at death
- Patrick Muldoon was never married (People).
- No public records indicate a spouse, and the death certificate lists his marital status as unmarried.
Long-term relationships
- Though he had high-profile relationships with Denise Richards and Tori Spelling, neither led to marriage.
- He had no known children.
The trade-off: Muldoon prioritized his career and personal privacy over public domestic life, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
What did Denise Richards say about Patrick Muldoon’s death?
Exact quotes from Richards
- Denise Richards described Muldoon as a “wonderful person” and “great friend” in a statement published by E! News (E! News via Instagram).
- She expressed sadness and fond memories of their time together.
Context of her statement
- The statement was released shortly after the news of his death broke, reflecting her personal grief.
- Richards and Muldoon remained friends long after their romantic relationship ended.
Why this matters: Richards’ words underscore the lasting impact Muldoon had on the people closest to him, far beyond his on-screen roles.
Timeline: Patrick Muldoon’s life and death
A chronological overview of key milestones in Muldoon’s life.
| Date or period | Event |
|---|---|
| September 27, 1968 | Born in San Pedro, California |
| 1992–1995 | Played Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives |
| 1997 | Starred as Lt. Zander Barcalow in Starship Troopers |
| Late 1990s | Dated Denise Richards |
| Early 2000s | Dated Tori Spelling |
| 2000s–2010s | Continued acting and producing; roles in The 4400, Stargate: Atlantis |
| April 19, 2026 | Died at age 57; cause later confirmed as heart attack (People) |
| April 2026 | Tributes from Denise Richards, Tori Spelling, and co-stars |
The timeline captures a life that touched many through both his work and his relationships.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Death date: April 19, 2026
- Age at death: 57
- Cause of death: myocardial infarction with underlying pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy (People)
- Relationships with Denise Richards and Tori Spelling
- Never married
- Career roles in Days of Our Lives, Starship Troopers
- Cremated on April 28 (People)
What’s unclear
- Specific underlying triggers for the clotting disorder
- Net worth
- Whether he had children
- Exact dates of relationships
These gaps leave room for speculation, but the confirmed details paint a clear picture of a man dedicated to his craft.
In their own words: tributes from those who knew him
“Brilliantly talented, endlessly kind and generous in spirit.”
“He was a wonderful person and a great friend. I’ll miss him.”
“Patrick was there for me when I really needed someone. I’ll never forget that.”
The tributes illustrate the personal loss felt by those who knew him best.
Related reading: **Joe Cocker: Biography, Death, and Lasting Legacy**
Fans looking for more details on Patrick Muldoon death cause can find a full account of the actor’s life and final moments.
Frequently asked questions
What was Patrick Muldoon’s cause of death?
His death certificate lists myocardial infarction (heart attack) as the immediate cause, with pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy as underlying conditions (People).
How old was Patrick Muldoon when he died?
He was 57 years old at the time of his death on April 19, 2026.
What movies and TV shows did Patrick Muldoon star in?
He is best known for playing Austin Reed on Days of Our Lives (1992–1995), Lt. Zander Barcalow in Starship Troopers (1997), and roles in Saved by the Bell: The New Class, The 4400, and Stargate: Atlantis.
Was Patrick Muldoon married?
No, he was never married. Public records and his death certificate confirm his marital status as unmarried.
Did Patrick Muldoon have children?
There are no public records indicating he had any children.
What was Patrick Muldoon’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed or confirmed.
Who else mourned Patrick Muldoon’s death?
Former co-star Alison Sweeney, ex-partners Denise Richards and Tori Spelling, and many fans shared tributes online.