Alan Thicke’s Official Cause of Death Revealed

One week after the tragic passing of the late actor Alan Thicke‘s cause of death has been revealed.

Contrary to earlier reports that claimed he suffered from a heart attack, Alan’s confirmed cause of death is “a ruptured aorta,” and a “standard type A aortic dissection,” according to the death certificate obtained by Entertainment Tonight. An aortic dissection is when a tear forms in the beginning of the main artery that leads to the heart and symptoms could include vomiting and severe chest and back pain.

Alan with his wife, Tanya Callau, and son Carter in August 2015.

The beloved Growing Pains star was 69 years old when he passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 13. He collapsed during a hockey game with his youngest son, 19-year-old Carter Thicke at the Pickwick Gardens rink in Burbank, CA. As Closer exclusively reported, Alan was experiencing symptoms of an aortic dissection in the moments leading to his death.

“We were here playing hockey and Alan was out on the ice and he started to feel queasy… and [after the] paramedics came and took him away, we were just talking [and said] we thought it was going to be fine,” Mark Decarlo told Closer.

Alan was transported to the nearby Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center but he was pronounced dead after his arrival. He is survived by his wife, Tanya Callau, sons Carter, Brennan Thicke, and pop star Robin Thicke. Shortly after his funeral, Tanya released a heartbreaking statement and thanked fans, family and friends for their outpouring of love and support.

MORE: Leonardo DiCaprio Remembers ‘Growing Pains’ Co-Star Alan Thicke After His Death

“Through tears and smiles our dearest of family and friends came together at our home to celebrate the life of my sweet and devoted husband Alan Thicke. Yesterday, along with my step sons and our combined extended family, we laid my beloved husband, soul mate and the patriarch of our family to rest. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time of profound mourning,” the 40-year-old said in a statement obtained by E! News.

Click through the gallery below to see all the stars — including Hoda Kotb, John Stamos, and more — who paid tribute to the late Growing Pains actor following his tragic death.