Brian McCardie, who played Tommy Hunter in Line of Duty, died last month at the age of 59, and his family have now announced his cause of death.
The actor, who played the original leader of the OCG who groomed Matthew ‘Dot’ Cotton as a teenager, passed away on Sunday (April 28).
His sister announced the news on Twitter. Last night (May 19), she shared his cause of death.
Line of Duty actor Brian McCardie dies ‘suddenly’
Announcing her brother’s death last month, Sarah McCardie wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.”
She then shared more about the circumstances of her brother’s death, saying: “Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April.”
Sarah then paid tribute to his acting career, adding: “A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.
“We love him and will miss him greatly. Please remember Brian in your thoughts. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead.”
(1) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie (59), beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many. Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and pic.twitter.com/1xSLsETNob
— Sarah McCardie (@SarahMcCardie) April 30, 2024
Tributes pour in
Fans of the series quickly started to pay tribute to Brian.
One commented on his sister’s post: “So sorry to hear this news.” Another added: “So sorry for your loss.”
“Tremendously sad news. Brian McCardie was a terrific actor and lovely guy. Sincere condolences to his family and friends,” another then said.
The star’s agent United Agents said: “We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie‘s sudden death. He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent. Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Cause of death revealed
Last night, Sarah returned to Twitter with more details of her brother’s death. She also shared the funeral details.
“Hi all, The McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie – beloved son, brother, uncle & friend. Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.
“There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 1130am at St Mary’s Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark. We then move on at 1330pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell ML1 5RU where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.
“There will be links available to both the mass & the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person – we will feel your support from afar. With love & thanks, The McCardie family – Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz & Sarah. Xxx.”
What is an aortic dissection?
According to the British Heart Foundation, an aortic dissection is “when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of your arteries. This can happen suddenly or slowly over time.”
The website adds: “Risk factors increase the chance of aortic dissection. High blood pressure is one of the most common and can weaken the wall of the aorta over time, making it more likely to tear.”
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