Actress Shelley Fabares' death certificate lists ARDS and pneumonia as causes
The death certificate for Shelley Fabares, 82, shows acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia as the immediate causes of her death, with no autopsy performed.
Actress Shelley Fabares, known for roles on "The Donna Reed Show" and "Coach," died on August 22 at age 82. A death certificate obtained by People indicates that acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia were listed as causes of death. The certificate notes that she had been diagnosed with a respiratory infection weeks earlier and developed ARDS, a severe lung injury that can result from conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia or COVID-19, according to the Cleveland Clinic. No autopsy was performed, and she was cremated on August 28.
Fabares is survived by her husband of more than four decades, actor Mike Farrell, and two stepchildren. Her family released a statement expressing gratitude for her kindness and generosity, and former co-star Craig T. Nelson issued a tribute describing her as a supportive presence during the run of "Coach."