Elizabeth Pena died from medical complications related to alcohol abuse, according to a report.
The 55-year-old TV and movie star stunned Hollywood when she passed away last week, and TMZ is reporting that the Elizabeth, N.J. native died from “cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol.”
Citing the actress’ death certificate, the site reports that the “La Bamba” star had the disease for several months before succumbing to it.
TMZ also reports that Pena suffered “acute gastrointestinal bleeding hours before her death,” eventually causing her heart to stop.
Pena, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, had a prolific 35-year acting career that began in the late 1970s. Several years later she scored her breakthrough role in the 1987 Richie Valens biopic “La Bamba.”
She kept a high profile in television and film over the years with roles in films such as “Tortilla Soup,” “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Rush Hour.” Most recently, she filmed a guest apperance as Sofia Vergara’s mother on “Modern Family” and starred in the first season of “Matador” on the El Rey Network.
The actress’ passing was mourned by her several of her famous fans and co-stars, including from “La Bamba” star Lou Diamond Phillips.
“I am stunned and heartbroken, just found out about the passing of my friend Elizabeth Pena,” he tweeted. “She was such a Life Force it’s hard to believe.”
Pena is survived by her husband, two children, mother and sister.
