General Hospital is one of the most beloved soap operas in the US – and sadly we’ve lost many of the stars over the years.
It’s no surprise that as the show holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running American soap in production, that plenty of actors from the show have passed away from natural causes and old age.
But some stars died a lot younger, and in very tragic circumstances.
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Though the doctors and nurses of Port Charles are set to tackle any health problem, miracles are rather more rare in real life.
Daily Star takes a look back at those soap stars who died young.
Lindsey Pearlman
(Image: Facebook)
Best known for playing Maggie McMorris in General Hospital, Lindsey Pearlman was reported missing in February 2022.
Her desperate family pleaded for information about the actress’ whereabouts.
Police were called after Lindsey disappeared in Hollywood, and sadly the actress was later found dead inside a car by cops responding to a call over the radio.
The car was found five days after Lindsey was first reported missing, in Hollywood’s Runyon Canyon Park, a popular hiking spot.
After investigation from the coroner, Lindsey’s death was ruled a suicide caused by sodium nitrite ingestion.
(Image: BET Plus)
Non-toxic levels of drugs including lorazepam, metoclopramide and codeine were also found in her system.
Upon the news of her death being released, Lindsey’s husband Vane Smith wrote on Instagram: “The police found Lindsey. She’s gone. I’m broken.”
She was 43 years old.
Annie Wersching
(Image: Chris Pizzello/AP/REX/Shutterstock)
Known for roles in The Vampire Diaries and Star Trek: Picard, Annie Wersching was best known to General Hospital fans as Amelia Joffe.
Her soap plotline saw Amelia seek vengeance against Sam, who seduced and murdered her father years before – before it was eventually revealed she killed her abusive dad in self-defence.
Annie was diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
A “private person by nature”, she never confirmed the type of cancer she was battling, and “didn’t really want to talk about it”.
Sadly, the star passed away in January 2023, leaving behind her husband Steve and three sons – Freddie, Ozzie and Archie.
Her former co-star Ever Carradine wrote upon her tragic death: “She wanted to protect her boys. She wanted to get better so she could continue working. And honestly, she just didn’t really want to talk about it.
“She wanted to live her life, on her terms, and be with her family.”
Annie was just 45 years old when she passed away.
Shell Kepler
(Image: Getty Images)
Shell Kepler was best known for her role as gossip mongering nurse Amy Vining in General Hospital – a role she held for 23 years.
The actress sadly died of kidney failure in February 2008 at the age of 49. She had just been admitted to a hospital in Portland, Oregon, and died shortly after.
Shell’s co-star Jackie Zeman paid tribute to the beloved star at the time of her death, telling Soaps.com: “Shell was always generous with her time, energy, and creativity. She had a beautiful home and she loved to have her family and friends come over.
“She created a warm and loving atmosphere and she would cook incredible meals and make sure everyone was happy and taken care of.
“Shell was a good friend to me and to my daughters, Cassidy and Lacey. We miss her presence in our lives and we treasure the memories of the good and happy times we shared.”
Jay Pickett
(Image: WireImage)
General Hospital and Port Charles alum Jay Pickett had a more public death than his aforementioned co-stars.
The actor sadly passed away on set of his latest film at the age of 60.
Jay was serving as both producer and writer of Treasure Valley in 2021, as well as starring in the movie, but died suddenly while preparing to film a scene on location in Idaho.
Director Travis Mills said at the time: “There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack.
“Everyone present tried as hard as they could to keep him alive. Our hearts are broken and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy.”
His cause of death was later confirmed as a heart attack.
Sonya Eddy
(Image: Getty Images)
Praised as a “creative angel” by her close friend Octavia Spencer, Sonya Eddy was just 55 years old when she passed away in December 2022.
Known for her role as head nurse Epiphany Jones in General Hospital, Sonya appeared in 543 episodes of the beloved soap over the years.
Sonya died of an infection she caught in hospital after undergoing non-emergency surgery. Though she was first discharged from hospital, she returned four days later after feeling ill.
She was placed on life support but sadly passed away, leaving her co-stars “heartbroken”.
Bergen Williams
(Image: WireImage)
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Known for her role as Big Alice in General Hospital, Bergen Williams sadly passed away after a battle with Wilson’s Disease.
Her sister confirmed the sad news in November 2021, writing: “Bergen Williams succumbed to the ravages of Wilson’s Disease surrounded by loving family. Rest in power.”
The condition is a rare genetic disorder which causes copper to accumulate in the liver, brain and other vital organs.
Though copper is naturally produced by the body, people who suffer from Wilson’s Disease can’t eliminate the substance properly. Though the condition is treatable if caught early, elevation of copper levels can cause death.
Bergen was 62 years old.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
