New Details Emerge About 'Empire' Actress Lindsey Pearlman's Death

Lindsey Pearlman's cause of death was officially confirmed on Monday following an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

According to a report by PEOPLE, Pearlman's death was ruled a suicide caused by sodium nitrite toxicity. The official statement also confirmed that "the presence of non-toxic levels of lorazepam, metoclopramide, and codeine" were found in Lindsey's system. The autopsy was reportedly completed in February; however, the medical examiner did not immediately release the cause of her death as officials continued an investigation.

The 43-year-old former "Empire" star was found dead inside a vehicle in Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles on Feb. 18, five days after her disappearance. Pearlman was reported missing on Feb. 13. The case was closed on Aug. 1, the coroner's office told The Hollywood Reporter.

According to her cousin, Savannah Pearlman, the former "General Hospital" star's phone was last detected on Sunset Blvd., just 1.5 miles from where her body was found. Investigators said that she suffered from depression over the years. Pearlman left a suicide note at her home and in her car, asking whoever found her to call 911, TMZ reported.

Pearlman's husband, Vance Smith, previously confirmed his wife's death on Instagram. "She's gone," Smith wrote in February. "I'm broken. I will share more later, but I wanted to (say) thank you to everyone for their love and efforts and ask you to respect the privacy of her family at this time."

Pearlman's representative, Michael Chiaverini, also released a statement following the discovery of her body. "We are deeply saddened by Lindsey Pearlman's passing today," the statement read. "The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time while they process and grieve."

The actor from Chicago, studied comedy at The Second City Conservatory before touring for shows. She moved to Los Angeles after successfully landing a role on NBC's "Chicago Justice." She also starred in "Sneaky Pete," "American Housewife," "The Purge" and "Selena: The Series." Pearlman also had a recurring role on BET+'s "The Ms. Pat Show."

If someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.