New details have emerged regarding the cause of death for actress Shelley Fabares, who passed away on August 22 at the age of 82. According to a death certificate obtained by People, her immediate cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Pneumonia was also listed as a contributing cause of death. Fabares had reportedly been diagnosed with the respiratory infection weeks prior to her passing. ARDS is a serious lung injury that can result from conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia, or COVID-19.
No autopsy was performed, and Fabares was cremated on August 28. Her family released a statement remembering her as "a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort," highlighting her "warmth, generosity, humor, and grace."
Fabares was known for her role as Mary Stone on "The Donna Reed Show" and later as Christine Armstrong on "Coach." She also had a singing career, with hits like "Johnny Angel."
Craig T. Nelson, her "Coach" co-star, paid tribute to Fabares, calling her "a great and grand lady" and "just an extraordinary woman" who was a "rock" and a source of comfort and advice.
Fabares was married to actor Mike Farrell for over four decades. She is survived by Farrell and her two stepchildren.