Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed

By: Brahmjot Kaur

Originally appeared on E! Online

Additional details about Benji Gregoy's passing have emerged.

Three months after the ALF actor died, the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death was accidental.

Benji—who played Brian Tanner on all four seasons from 1986 to 1990—passed away June 10 at the age of 46 after suffering from "environmental heat exposure in the setting of hepatic cirrhosis," according to the office.

The former child star was found dead in his car at a bank parking lot in Peoria, Ariz., his sister Rebecca Pfaffinger shared on Facebook in July.

"We believe he went there the evening of the 12th to deposit some residuals," she wrote alongside several photos of Benji, whose real name was Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg. "(Found in his car) and never got out of the car to do so. He fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke."

"Ben was a great Son, Brother and Uncle," she reflected. "He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often. Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying."

Rebecca also noted that Benji's service dog Hans also passed away in the car. Benji would often share glimpses into his life with Hans on Instagram as he navigated his bipolar disorder diagnosis.

"I've got to take Hans (my pug) in to get shaved within the next few days," he wrote in July 2022. "His shedding is just out of control. He gives me back so much love and tranquility, so I don't mind the little bit of extra chores he requires."

The former actor also opened up about his acting career and how he didn't want his role in ALF to define him. As he said of the show's cancellation in a 2000 People interview, "It was a relief. I didn't want to do any more shows, but I don't regret any of it."

But he also expressed gratitude for what the series—which followed a family harboring an alien in their home—had provided him.

"Thanks to Alf, I can pay my rent easily—most of the money is still in the bank," he told the outlet. "I never get butterflies in my stomach when I have to talk in front of the class."

But that doesn't mean he was interested in being in front of the camera again.

"I'd like to work in the entertainment industry, but I'm not sure as what," he explained. "Definitely not acting."