A cause of death has finally been revealed in the shocking death of All My Children star Esta TerBlanche, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 51.
TMZ reports the actress died of an intracranial hemorrhage, according to a press release from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. The brain bleed was likely caused by a blunt force traumatic head injury, triggered by a ground-level fall. Her death was ruled an accident.
TerBlanche was found unresponsive in her North Hollywood home in July 2024. Reports at the time indicate authorities believed she had been dead for about a day.
Her publicist, Lisa Rodrigo, announced her death with a statement on Facebook.
“I can not believe I am posting this. It’s with a heavy heart that my friend and client Esta TerBlanche passed away Thursday of natural causes,” Rodrigo said. “An autopsy report is pending. I am still processing and in shock. Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her. More to come in the days ahead. Thank you for the messages so far. If I haven’t gotten to you, I will soon.”
TerBlanche is best known for playing Gillian Andrassy Lavery on All My Children from 1997 to 2001. The memorable role was just the second acting credit of her new career. TerBlanche left the show when Gillian was killed off, after which the actress returned to her native South Africa.
Her acting career began in 1991 in the South African series Egoli: Place of Gold. She also hosted K-T.V. from 1990 to 1995. Other credits include Three Thieves and a Wedding, The Syndicate, and an appearance in Spin City.
Cameron Mathison, who played TerBlanche’s on-screen husband Ryan Lavery on the soap drama, paid tribute to the late actress on social media.
“RIP my Sweet Princess,” he wrote, per People. “Esta helped me last year when Red was sick and paralyzed and I was struggling. One of the sweetest people ever.”
TerBlanche is survived by her ex-husband, André Kock, and goddaughter, Barbie Ashley.
