New details have emerged following the death of Jaqueline "Jackie" Falk, daughter of late Columbo star Peter Falk, following the newly released autopsy of her suicide.
The 60-year-old was found at her Los Angeles home on April 27 after a close friend had requested a welfare check, having not heard from her since April 20.
© Getty ImagesOne of the two daughters Falk adopted with his college sweetheart and first wife Alyce Mayo, Jaqueline tragically died by suicide after multiple hand written notes were found in the garage where her body was found.
Authorities estimated she had died several days earlier, on or around April 22, as well as confirming there was no evidence of alcohol or drugs in her system at the time of her death.
© Getty ImagesNews of the death came as a shock to millions of fans who followed her beloved father through his incredible time on the ultimate comfort show Columbo. Following its premiere on NBC in 1971, the American crime drama, which follows the private investigations of Lieutenant Columbo, catapulted its lead, the late Peter Falk, to international stardom.
Garnering the actor four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe during its 69-episode run, the character of Columbo wasn't far removed from the man playing him. "My mom always told me my dad was Columbo long before Columbo found my dad," Peter's second daughter, Catherine Falk, told Closer.
© Getty ImagesJacqueline’s sister Catherine was inspired to start the Catherine Falk Organisation in 2011 after her father's second wife, actress Shera Denise, isolated Peter, who was diagnosed with advanced dementia in 2008, from his two daughters in the final years of his life. Peter passed away in 2011.
While Jacqueline was predeceased by both her parents - Peter at the age of 83 and Alyce five years later, aged 85 - Catherine is the last remaining of the Falk clan.
© Getty ImagesFor Catherine and Jackie, fond memories suggest there was never any tension between their parents, who divorced in 1976. Describing them as "best friends," Catherine told Closer, "I remember watching my mom and dad laugh and tell stories about their college years. It was nice as a teenager to experience that."
Catherine continues to lobby for family rights legislation in the US, and is an advocate for elder abuse prevention and guardianship reform. According to the foundation, the Peter Falk Law bill is being considered by Legislatures in over 20 states. Additionally, the organisation provides resources to families trying to get visitation rights to an elderly parent.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org
