The cause of death of Hollywood actor Diane Keaton, who died at age 79, was confirmed as bacterial pneumonia.
On the 16th (local time), the New York Times (NYT) reported, citing Keaton's death certificate released that day, that she died of primary (without other causes) bacterial pneumonia.
According to the document, she died on the 11th at age 79 at Saint John's Health Center, a medical facility in Santa Monica, California.
Entertainment outlet People also reported, citing a statement sent by Keaton's family, that her cause of death was bacterial pneumonia. People had earlier reported, citing a source, that Keaton's health had deteriorated rapidly.
The pneumonia that led to Keaton's death is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lungs due to infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The main causes are viruses and bacteria, and in most cases, inflammation begins when pathogens invade through the respiratory tract.
Representative symptoms include cough, yellow phlegm, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Mild pneumonia can resemble a cold and sometimes resolves without antibiotic treatment, but in older adults or people with weakened immunity, pneumonia can worsen rapidly and lead to respiratory failure or death.
In a statement that day, Keaton's family said, "Thank you for the condolences from around the world," and added, "The deceased devoted her life to animal protection and support for people experiencing homelessness. In memory of the deceased, donating to a local food bank or animal shelter would be a meaningful tribute."
Keaton was active in many works, including the films Annie Hall, the Godfather series, and Father of the Bride, and won the best actress Oscar in 1978 for Annie Hall.