The family of the late restaurateur Harry Morton has spoken out following the 38-year-old’s unexpected passing on Saturday, with preliminary autopsy results indicating his cause of death was an undiagnosed heart disease.
In a statement, the Mortons told Page Six:
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son, brother and friend. Harry was the brightest light in all our lives and his spirit will live on forever.”
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A spokesperson for the family shared with the publication that Dr. Matthew Miller, deputy medical examiner at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, confirmed on Tuesday that Lindsay Lohan‘s ex had coronary artery disease with a mildly enlarged heart.
The diagnosis comes after an autopsy was carried out Monday, though it was later deferred for additional testing, including a microscopy of his other organs. A funeral has not been held yet because of the testing, but a memorial service is being planned in his honor on Saturday in Beverly Hills.
Via the family spokesperson, a Morton family friend and leading cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kathy E. Magliato, confirmed the restaurateur had calcification in three main arteries and suffered sudden cardiac death: an unexpected death caused by loss of heart function.
A source confirmed that there were no drugs in his system and that no foul play was suspected. Ahead of the autopsy results, an insider revealed to DailyMail.com that those close to him were particularly concerned about his fondness of ayahuasca — a psychedelic tea made from tropical vines and leaves from the Amazon jungle, some of which include the chemical DMT. The confidant shared:
“We’ve all been concerned over Harry’s use of ayahuasca for some time, he was hooked on the stuff. He always thought it was safe and natural but he was definitely over using it.”
The friend added (below):
“It’s still too early to know exactly how Harry died, but because he was so young, his friends and family fear it’s drug related – only time will tell… Harry’s sister died of a drug overdose so it would be an absolute tragedy if Harry went the same way.”
For those who aren’t aware, Harry’s half-sister was Domino Harvey, the model turned bounty hunter who was portrayed by Keira Knightley in the 2005 film Domino. Harvey died at the age of 35 of an overdose of fentanyl the same year the film came out and was reportedly found unconscious in a bathtub by her assistant.
Pink Taco, the popular restaurant which Harry founded in 1999 at the age of 18, issued a heartfelt statement (below) about the founder and previous owner’s passing:
“We are saddened by the passing of Harry Morton, the founder and former owner of Pink Taco. Harry was a visionary and restaurateur ahead of his time, and his contributions, both professionally to our brand and personally to those he worked with, were numerous. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Our thoughts are with the Mortons at this time.
[Image via Chris Connor/WENN.]
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