Key Takeaways:

• Esta TerBlanche, known for her role in "All My Children," died at 51 due to an accidental brain hemorrhage.
• The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause as blunt force trauma from a fall.
• Her passing was mourned by fans and colleagues, highlighting her kindness and contributions to acting.
• TerBlanche had previously expressed a desire to return to acting before her untimely death.
• An examination revealed her previous medical history included asthma.

Esta TerBlanche, the beloved South African actress famed for her role as Gillian Andrassy in the daytime soap opera All My Children, tragically passed away on July 19, 2024, at the age of 51. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed that her death was caused by an intracranial hemorrhage resulting from blunt force trauma due to a fall. This condition, often referred to as a "brain bleed," occurs when blood vessels rupture or leak, creating pressure that complicates brain functions.

Her manager, Anne Spoliansky, described TerBlanche as a deeply kind person who loved animals, a sentiment echoed by fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. “She cared so deeply for all people and animals,” Spoliansky stated, reflecting the loss felt by many. TerBlanche had a significant impact not only as an actress, portraying her character from 1997 until her original departure in 2001, but also as a gentle spirit in her personal life.

According to the coroner's report, the actress's death was ruled accidental, stemming from injuries likely sustained from a ground-level fall. Before her passing, TerBlanche had expressed her wish to re-enter acting, demonstrating her passion and deep-rooted connection to her craft. "It’s definitely something I would like to get back into," she shared just prior to her death.

Beyond her iconic role on All My Children, Esta TerBlanche had a diverse career, also participating in shows like Spin City and Egoli: Place of Gold. She was found unresponsive in her Los Angeles residence, with authorities confirming her death a couple of days later. A full report on her passing is expected by the end of February.

For those wishing to understand more about Esta TerBlanche's contributions to television and her life, further details can be found in the original reports by USA TODAY, Newsweek, and LA Times.