​Evan Ellingson died of accidental fentanyl overdose, autopsy reveals

'My Sister's Keeper' actor Evan Ellingson's died of accidental fentanyl overdose, his autopsy has revealed.

The 35-year-old former child star was found dead on November 5 inside his residence in Fontana, California.

His father had confirmed the 'CSI: Miami' star struggled with addiction and died in a sober-living home.


Ellingson has been missing from the screen for more than a decade. He portrayed the offspring of Cameron Diaz and Jason Patric's characters in My Sister's Keeper, and on CSI: Miami, he took on the role of David Caruso's Lt. Horatio Caine's son.

Furthermore, he held a regular role on the television series Complete Savages, which aired from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, he portrayed the nephew of Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer on 24.

Abigail Breslin, who played his sister in My Sister's Keeper, paid homage to him on Instagram, fondly recalling him as "a kind, funny, and incredibly talented individual."

"Evan was a genuinely thoughtful person who cared so much about turning in the best performance, which he accomplished," she wrote. "Some of his scenes in MSK still give me chills. He was also silly, funny, a prankster, a lover of Red Bull (I hated the smell of Red Bull) and he was energetic and the life of the party."

The 27-year-old added, "I didn’t keep in touch a lot with him after the film, but he always stayed in my mind as a wonderful and sweet soul, one I am grateful to have crossed paths with. My prayers and condolences are with his family at this difficult time."

Raised in La Verne, California, the actor grew up with three brothers, as detailed in his IMDb biography. His journey into the entertainment world began when he was discovered at a skate park and invited not only to skate for the Vans PeeWee team but also to feature in a commercial for the Vans Company.

Ellingson's distinct charisma and talent proved noteworthy, prompting offers to star in a trilogy of short films crafted specifically for him. This opportunity served as a springboard for additional roles, marking the start of his burgeoning career, as highlighted in his biography.

In 2009, he told The Philippine Star, "I never had the same [childhood] experience with my friends. I never had more time with them. However, my childhood was a cool one. I was busy doing the things I love. I had no regrets because I found my passion for acting early on."