‘Black Lightning’ actress, Charlbi Dean’s cause of death has been revealed four months after her passing at 32.
According to People, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined that the South African actress passed away from bacterial sepsis, which was caused by “remote blunt trauma to her torso” and “a complication from asplenia” (the absence of a spleen).
The coroner’s office confirmed to the outlet on December 21 that Dean contracted the Capnocytophaga bacteria, which is known to cause sepsis.
The CDC states that Capnocytophaga is transferred from animals, such as dogs and cats, to people through bites, scratches, licks, or other close contact. These infections are more likely to affect autoimmune patients and people without spleens.
It is unknown whether an animal bite or lick caused the Black Lightning actress’ infection, but her death has been ruled an accident. Her complete autopsy has not been made public by the medical examiner.
At the age of 32, Dean passed away in New York City on August 29. A representative for the actress at the time told NBC News that she died of “an unexpected sudden illness,” but no further information was given.