Days of Our Lives’ Star Drake Hogestyn’s Cause of Death Confirmed Less Than 2 Weeks After the Actor Died at 70

Drake Hogestyn’s cause of death has been revealed. 

The Days of Our Lives actor, who died on Saturday, Sept. 28 at age 70 — one day shy of his 71^st birthday — died from pancreatic cancer, according to a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Other contributing factors to his death included vomiting, dehydration and whole body toxicity.

The actor was cremated at Rose Family Funeral Home in Simi Valley, and no autopsy was performed following his death. TMZ was first to report the news.

Hogestyn’s family first announced the actor’s death in a statement shared by Days of Our Lives on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sept. 28.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read. “He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”

The actor’s family also praised Hogestyn for being an incredible artist and individual who meant much to his family and Days of Our Lives cast, crew and production team.

“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” the statement continued. “He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives. -The Hogestyn Family.”  

Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday told PEOPLE in a statement on Sunday, Sept. 29, that Hogestyn’s death was “very difficult” for everyone involved with the soap.

“Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed,” Corday said. “His impact on the show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn originally wanted to become a professional baseball player, even playing for one of the New York Yankees’ farm teams until an injury in 1977. But he found success with acting with a breakout role in the early 1980s in the CBS adventure drama Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Hogestyn first appeared in Days of Our Lives in 1986 in an enigmatic role named “The Pawn” but became a favorite with fans playing John Black. He and former costar Deirdre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, earned a Soap Opera Digest Award in 2005 for Favorite Couple.

In the wake of his death, the actor’s former costars — including Alison Sweeney, Kristian Alfonso, Christopher Sean and Genie Francis — paid trirbute to Hogestyn on social media.

“Drake was incredible man. He was funny, generous, and thoughtful,” Sweeney, 48, wrote on Instagram. “He cared about every single scene, every person. He loves Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

Alfonoso, for her part, said she would “always remember” him fondly.

“I’ll always remember you as a Loving , Loving father, husband and Dear friend but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, Always,” Alfonso, 61, wrote on Instagram. “Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero. Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend ❤️”