'Days of Our Lives' actor Drake Hogestyn’s cause of death revealed a week after he dies at 70

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Days of Our Lives' actor Drake Hogestyn’s actual cause of death was revealed on Wednesday, October 9.

The 70-year-old star died on September 28, with the Los Angeles medical examiner's report confirming pancreatic cancer as the immediate cause of death.

Drake Hogestyn’s cause of death reveals 'full body toxicity'

TMZ report collected from the Los Angeles medical examiner states "pancreatic cancer was the immediate cause of his death."

It also indicated that significant conditions contributing to Hogestyn’s death included vomiting, dehydration, and "whole-body toxicity."

The actor was cremated at Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley.

Hogestyn’s family announced his death via Instagram account. "It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn," the statement from his family read.

His family revealed that he faced his diagnosis with courage, writing, “He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”

Drake Hogestyn was an amazing husband and  father, says family

Drake Hogestyn's family also expressed their admiration for the actor, saying, "He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor."

"He loved performing for the 'Days' audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business," the family added.

Hogestyn was a former Major League Baseball (MLB) draft pick whose career was cut short due to an injury in 1977, according to Dateline.

He then appeared as John Black in 'Days of Our Lives' in 1986. Hogestyn then starred in a soap opera tor over 4,200 episodes and his on-screen romance with Marlena Evans, portrayed by Deidre Hall, became a fan favorite.

The duo won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005. 

"For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man," Hall said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matters of villains. My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene,” Deidre Hall said.

Drake Hogestyn’s impact as John Black was profound and 'unmatched'

After a brief hiatus from 2009-2011, Drake Hogestyn returned to his beloved role of John Black until his death.

His character’s major storyline involved the revelation that he was actually the presumed-dead Roman Brady following plastic surgery and memory loss.

Executive producer Ken Corday also honored Hogestyn, stating, "This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed."

He added, “His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”