"Happy Days" star Erin Moran's death on Saturday, April 22nd at the age of 56 left fans shocked, but sadly, those who knew Erin well were not surprised. New reports reveal that Moran lived a hard life during her final years, filled with personal, financial and addiction struggles. In fact, it has been speculated that Erin Moran's addiction issues could be what ended her life that fateful Saturday.
It has allegedly reported that Erin had been struggling with a heroin addiction.
Classic sitcom actor Erin Moran found dead in Indiana.
As previously reported, "Happy Days" actress Erin Moran who played the Cunnigham family's youngest, Joanie Cunningham on the long-running comedy series "Happy Days" was found dead in her mother-in-law's trailer in Harrison County Indiana.
The County Sheriffs Department stated on Saturday evening that they responded to a call concerning an 'unresponsive female' on Saturday, April 22nd. Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed the body of the female belonged to actress Erin Moran Fleischmann.
Neighbors described Moran as friendly and polite, often seeing her outside the mobile home that she and her husband shared with her mother-in-law, but added that during the past few months Erin had become a bit of recluse choosing to venture outside less often, especially over the past several weeks.
Former co-star and love interest Scott Baio pays tribute to fallen actress.
At this time Moran's death remains a bit of a mystery, it is not known if Moran had been in poor health, or may have just died of natural causes. All that is known for sure is that a 911 call was made about an unresponsive female body which was determined to be the "Happy Days" actress. Moran was already dead by the time the paramedics arrived on scene.
Those closest to the actress stated over the past years that Erin had not been herself. She was often photographed appearing drunk or high and at times making no sense at all. It was believed that after "Happy Days" Erin Moran had a difficult time accepting that her shooting star success with the popular sitcom had burned out and spent decades mourning the loss of the TV family she held so dear.
Scott Baio, who played Chachi, Erin's love interest in "Happy Days" and "Joanie Loves Chachi" and Moran's off-screen boyfriend paid tribute to his longtime friend via Twitter posting, "May people remember Erin for her contagious smile, warm heart, and animal loving soul. I always hoped she could find peace in her life, God has you now Erin."
Rest in peace Erin Moran.