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Alexis Arquette Cause Of Death And Decades-Long HIV Battle Revealed [Video]

By Patricia Ramirez
Published on: 13:18 PST, Sep 20, 2016

The world was shocked on September 11 when actress and trans activist Alexis Arquette passed away suddenly and seemingly without warning. Alexis Arquette was just 47 years old when she passed away, and a member of the highly prolific Arquette acting clan. Alexis was sister to the touted Rosanna, David, and Patricia Arquette and her family have been Hollywood mainstays for generations.

During her decades-long acting career, Alexis had roles on over 50 films, often taking the part of transgender and/or transsexual characters.

Following the news that Alexis Arquette had passed away, news that was largely broken on social media sites by her famous siblings, the world has been waiting and wondering about the cause of her seemingly sudden death.

“Our brother Robert, who became our brother Alexis, who became our sister Alexis, passed this morning September 11 at 12:32 a.m. He was surrounded by all of his brothers and sisters, and one of his nieces and several other loved ones…As per his wishes, we cheered at the moment that he transitioned to another dimension.”

Possibly because of her sexuality, rumors that Alexis Arquette’s death may have been HIV-related began to swirl almost immediately. Still, her family remained largely tight-lipped about her condition. Despite their silence, Alexis Arquette’s family didn’t seem to be overly surprised by her passing, leading many to believe that whatever took her life had been something she’d been dealing with for quite some time.

Just one day after Alexis Arquette passed away, the Huffington Post reported that she had passed away due to complications from HIV. However, at the time of that announcement, her autopsy had not yet been completed and the family had not confirmed an official cause of death. Rather, the Arquette clan chose to circle the wagon around their deceased sister and share wonderful memories and loving thoughts instead of talking about what caused her to pass away.

Today, E! Online reported that they had gotten their hands on a copy of Alexis Arquette’s official autopsy report, and the official cause of her death was finally made public. According to her autopsy report, Alexis Arquette’s sudden death at the age of 47 was caused by a heart attack.

Reportedly, Alexis had contracted a bacterial infection in her heart three weeks prior to her death.

However, despite being killed by a sudden cardiac arrest, it was revealed that HIV did contribute to the death of Alexis Arquette, as had been previously reported. According to Alexis’ autopsy report, HIV was an underlying factor in her September 11 death, adding that the brave transgender star and activist had been living with the deadly and debilitating disease for 29 years.

The news of the death of Alexis Arquette’s death has dealt a massive blow to the LGBTQ community, a community that she championed publicly and without apology for decades. Following Alexis’ death, her family issued a statement in which they implied that her career was more limited than it should have been because of her outspoken trans activism and her refusal to conform to Hollywood stereotypes.

“[Her career] was cut short, not by her passing, but by her decision to live her truth and her life as a transgender woman.”

Following the news of Alexis Arquette’s untimely and tragic death, the trans community and thousands of others shared their heartbreak and condolences on social media.

Continuing in her death the activism she pioneered and championed throughout her life, Alexis Arquette is still working diligently to benefit the LGBTQ community. Honoring her final wishes, her family has asked her mourners to forgo the traditional cards, gifts, and flowers. Rather, the Arquette family is asking that Alexis’ fans instead make donations to charities and organizations that support the LGBTQ community.

[Featured Image by Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock]

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