Shelley Fabares: What's Known About the 'Coach' Star's Cause of Death?

Shelley Fabares was a beloved actress who starred in the television series Coach and The Donna Reed Show. She also starred in several movies with Elvis Presley.

According to People, she has died at the age of 82. What is known about her cause of death? Her official cause of death was not released, but some details are coming out about her final moments and health. Fabares had a liver transplant in 2000 after spending two years on a waiting list to get the organ, although it’s not clear whether this played a role in her death.

She was married to M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, who confirmed her death in a statement, which said Fabares died on Saturday, August 22, in Los Angeles “surrounded by her loved ones,” People reported.

Mike Farrell Described His Wife’s Warmth & Generosity

Farrell and Fabares’ other family members praised the actress in the statement.

“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” Fabares’ family said. “She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”

“For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film,” the statement continued.

“From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, ‘Johnny Angel,’ to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance. But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear.”

Shelley Fabares Died of a ‘Brief Illness,’ But the Specific Cause of Death Was Not Released

The Hollywood Reporter noted that Fabares died of a “brief illness,” but did not specify its exact nature.

According to KCCI, “In early 1999, a visit to the emergency room for an esophageal bleed revealed that she had progressive liver failure.” After the liver transplant, she said that she was “changed by the experience” and praised Farrell who being at her side “every step of the way,” KCCI reported. She had autoimmune hepatitis, which caused her liver to fail, People reported.

“Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her,” Craig T. Nelson, her co-star, wrote. “She was a foundational part of my life during the run of Coach.” 

Nelson described Fabares as “just an extraordinary woman. She always had a smile. She was welcoming in the midst of chaos and always someone I could go to for advice and counsel, not only myself but others as well. I’ll remember you with love, Shelley Fabares.”

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