Rik Mayall's widow says TV star died from an 'acute cardiac event' after run

 
'Heart event': Mayall with his wife, Barbara, in London
Standard Reporter13 June 2014

Rik Mayall suffered from an “acute cardiac event” after returning home from his usual run, according to his widow.

The 56-year-old, who is most famed for his role playing Rick in The Young Ones, was found dead at his home in Barnes on Monday.

His wife Barbara Mayall said: “We now know that our darling Rik suffered an 'acute cardiac event' at our home around midday on June 9th.

Rik Mayall 1958-2014 - a career in pictures

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"He had just returned from his usual run and many people had seen him that morning."

Mrs Mayall thanked the press "for their discretion" and "all the wonderful coverage", adding: "It would have made him very happy."

She added: "I am sure that you all know Rik's response would be something along the lines of.....' well thanks very much all of you.............now f*** off!!!"'

Mrs Mayall said her family had received "thousands and thousands of messages of condolence" from around the world.

She said: "We always knew that Rik was well loved but we are all overwhelmed by so many joining us in our grief."

Barbara Mayall made the comments after it was reported a post-mortem held this morning at West London Coroner’s Court was inconclusive. More tests were planned to be carried out to determine how the comic died.

The star is also known for his roles as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder, conniving Conservative MP Alan B'Stard in The New Statesman and Fred in Drop Dead Fred.

Fans of the star are attempting to get his ‘lost’ World Cup anthem, recorded in 2010, to the number one spot. The single is now just outside the top 10 at number 11.

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