‘King of the Hill’ star Johnny Hardwick’s cause of death undetermined due to ‘extensive decompositional changes’ – New York Post

Celebrities

By Samantha Ibrahim

“King of the Hill” star Johnny Hardwick’s cause of death is still undetermined.

The voice actor died in August at the age of 64. He was found in his Texas home bathtub at the time.

According to the autopsy report obtained by TMZ, how he passed cannot be resolved due to his body having “extensive decompositional changes.”

The medical examiner explained that there were no signs of trauma and a toxicology test showed a “presumptive positive test for cannabinoids.”

Drugs were discovered on the scene, however, the type of substances also couldn’t be determined.

Hardwick was not submerged in water and the liquid was still running when first responders arrived.

The Primetime Emmy winner reportedly weighed just 100 pounds at the time of his passing.

Austin law enforcement officers were called to his residence to initially perform a welfare check.

Hardwick was pronounced dead at the scene and authorities didn’t suspect any foul play.

“On Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, at approximately 5:10 pm, APD officers responded to a Check Welfare Urgent call in the 1800 Block of Alta Vista Avenue,” a statement from Austin PD read.

“Upon arrival, officers located a deceased person who was later identified as John Michael Hardwick, DOB 12/31/1958. This is not being investigated as a homicide. The cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.”

Hardwick voiced the character Dale Gribble on “King of the Hill” from 1997 to 2010.

He appeared on the animated sitcom for 258 episodes across 13 seasons.

Creator Mike Judge paid tribute to Hardwick in August, sharing an emotional Instagram post.

“Sorry for everyone’s loss! We are gunna miss you Johnny! Sha sha and just like sand thru a pocket he’s the stars now,” he wrote, referencing a line from Gribble. He later deleted his caption.