The X-Life star Denise Russo's cause of death announced after she died aged 44

15 July 2023 , 09:19

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Denise Russo died aged 44 (Image: 2010 Getty Images)

Denise Russo's cause of death has been revealed as a lethal overdose from two class A drugs.

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner, the former star of The X-Life died from "toxic effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine". Her death has been ruled an accidental overdose.

Denise died on March 3 at the age of 44 after being found unresponsive on the floor of a friend's home in San Diego. Records show that emergency services were called and responders tried "aggressive attempts as resuscitation", but she was soon pronounced dead.

Drug paraphernalia was found at the scene of Denise's death.

Her friend and former The X-Life co-star Susie Stenberg said Denise had been homeless and living in her car when she died.

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Denise Russo's cause of death has been revealed (2010 Getty Images)

Susie Stenberg paid tribute to her friend (Getty Images North America)

Speaking to TMZ at the time of Denise's death, Susie said her friend had reached out to her the night before her death to tell her she loved her.

Susie remembered her friend as "the most loving and loyal person."

Denise was best known for starring in the VH1 show The X-Life back in 2011 as part of one of three couples on the series. At the time, she was in a relationship with skateboarder Pierre-Luc Gagnon.

The pair share one son together, Leo, but they split up since their time on the reality show.

Denise had dated Pierre Luc Gagnon (Getty Images North America)

She was just 44 years old (Instagram)

The X-Life followed the lives of extreme sports athletes and their partners. There was only one season of the series, which consisted of 10 episodes.

Denise is survived by her and Pierre-Luc's son. She previously paid tribute to Leo in a sweet Instagram post.

The caption read: "To my Lion Wolf, you are the reason the sun shines bright in the sky, why the moon glows, is full and the stars twinkle.

"Leo you are why the world is good baby and magical. Thank you for being my son my cub! Love of my life, no one compares to you."

Scarlett O'Toole