Autopsy findings have revealed new details surrounding the death of Jacqueline Falk, the adopted daughter of "Columbo" star Peter Falk. She died by suicide at the age of 60.
Jacqueline Falk's body was discovered on April 27 at a Los Angeles residence, approximately five days after her estimated time of death. Police were alerted after her best friend requested a welfare check, having not heard from her since April 20. Multiple handwritten suicide notes were found taped to a garage wall, where her body was located. Toxicology reports indicated no presence of alcohol or drugs at the time of her death. She was identified by her driver's license.
She was one of two daughters Peter Falk adopted with his first wife, Alyce Mayo, whom he was married to from 1960 to 1976. Her sister, Catherine Falk-Rothchild, was notified of her death on April 27.
Jacqueline Falk was predeceased by her parents; Peter Falk died in 2011 at age 83, and Alyce Mayo passed away five years later at 85. Her sister, Catherine, is an ex-private investigator who previously engaged in a public dispute with Falk's second wife, Shera Danese. Catherine Falk-Rothchild accused Danese of preventing Falk's daughters from visiting him during his decline with Alzheimer's disease.
Peter Falk, best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo, starred in the detective series during its original run from 1968 to 1978 and its revival from 1989 to 2003, earning four Emmy Awards. His film credits include "Murder Inc.," "Pocketful of Miracles," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," and "The Princess Bride." He also collaborated with filmmaker John Cassavetes, notably in the 1974 drama "A Woman Under the Influence."
Catherine Falk-Rothchild has spoken about her parents' amicable post-divorce relationship and their efforts to maintain a loving connection with their daughters, including attending Los Angeles Kings hockey games. However, during Falk's final years, as his health deteriorated due to dementia, his relationship with his daughters reportedly became strained. His second wife, Shera Danese, whom he married in 1977, obtained a conservatorship over him. According to Catherine, Danese limited contact between Falk and his daughters and did not keep them informed about his health status. Catherine Falk-Rothchild has stated that she was not informed of her father's death by Danese and was prevented from attending his funeral. She also noted that her stepmother made it difficult for Falk to feel free and for his daughters to visit him at home.
Catherine Falk-Rothchild advocated for legislation in New York State, known as Peter Falk's Law, which aims to protect the rights of citizens to visit ailing parents and be informed about their health.