Andy Griffith Cause of Death: Iconic Actor Died of Heart Attack, Death Certificate States

Iconic Hollywood star Andy Griffith, who died on Tuesday at age 86, passed away as the result of a heart attack that occurred 24 hours earlier, according to his death certificate.

CNN reports that Griffith, most known for his role as role as the sheriff of Mayberry on the CBS series The Andy Griffith Show, had long endured hypertension and hyperlipidemia, which can suggest high cholesterol or high triglycerides.

Griffith’s death certificate was filed Thursday with the vital records office in Dare County.

In keeping with the wishes of the family, the late actor was buried in the Griffith Family Cemetery near his home on Roanoke Island about five hours after his death.

Following Griffith’s passing, fans swarmed to the internet to send their condolences to the actor’s wife, Cindi Knight, and share the impact that the one-time Sheriff of Mayberry had on their lives.

President Obama said of Griffith:

“Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere.”

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, who as a boy played Andy’s TV son Opie Taylor on the Griffith Show, also remembered Griffith in a touching statement:

“While it’s impossible to predict what would have happened to little Ronny Howard without Andy Griffith, I will forever be grateful for the possibilities his vision and talent and nature gave me. Quite a gift.”