Breaking Bad Actor RJ Mitte's Manner of Death Officially Confirmed Nearly a Month After His Passing at 34
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed the manner of death for Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte, who died at 34.
Breaking Bad Actor RJ Mitte's Manner of Death Officially Confirmed Nearly a Month After His Passing at 34
RJ Mitte's manner of death has been officially confirmed nearly a month after the Breaking Bad actor passed away at age 34. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled the death an accident, with the cause listed as "complications of chronic ethanol abuse" and "acute ethanol intoxication." Mitte, who played Walter White Jr. in the acclaimed AMC series, died on October 10 at his home in Los Angeles. He had been open about his cerebral palsy and his advocacy for disability representation.
For more on celebrity news and tributes, read our coverage of the celebrities we lost in 2026.
What the Medical Examiner Found
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office, Mitte's death was ruled accidental. The primary cause was listed as "complications of chronic ethanol abuse" with "acute ethanol intoxication" as a contributing factor. The report was released on Thursday, November 5, after a nearly month-long investigation.
Mitte had been open about his health struggles in the past, including his cerebral palsy, which he refused to let define his career. He spoke frequently about the importance of representation and the need for more actors with disabilities in Hollywood.
For more on disability representation in entertainment, read our coverage of how Hollywood is changing its approach to disability.
His Breaking Bad Legacy
Mitte was best known for his role as Walter White Jr. in all five seasons of Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013. His character, the son of Bryan Cranston's Walter White, was a teenager with cerebral palsy. Mitte himself has cerebral palsy, and he brought a authenticity to the role that resonated with audiences.
After Breaking Bad ended, Mitte continued to act, appearing in films like Dixieland and The Recall, and in the TV series Switched at Birth. He was also a producer and an advocate for disability rights.
For more on the Breaking Bad cast, read our coverage of the legacy of Breaking Bad.
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Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from co-stars and fans. Bryan Cranston, who played his father on the show, said in a statement: "RJ was a beautiful soul. He brought a vulnerability and strength to Walter Jr. that I will never forget. My heart goes out to his family and friends."
Aaron Paul, who played Jesse Pinkman, wrote on social media: "RJ was one of the good ones. A talented actor, a kind person, and a fighter. Rest easy, my friend."
For more on the tributes, read our coverage of how Hollywood is remembering RJ Mitte.