Actor died giving up grog

NELSAN Ellis’ family says the True Blood actor’s death was caused by heart failure due to alcohol-withdrawal complications.

The statement, released by manager Emily Gerson Saines, on behalf of the family, said the actor tried to withdraw from alcohol by himself after years of failed rehab efforts.

Ellis died on Saturday in New York at age 39. The actor was ashamed of his drug and alcohol abuse, the statement said. During his withdrawal, he suffered a blood infection, kidney failure and other crises.