Alcohol Abuse To Blame For Elizabeth Pena Death, Actress Reportedly Struggled With Disease For Months

Actress Elizabeth Pena's sudden death on Oct. 14 shocked fans and members of the film and television community.

It is now being reported that the "Modern Family" alum may have passed away due to a struggle with alcoholism.

According to USA Today, Pena's death certificate indicates that "cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol" was one of the causes for her unexpected death. Cardiopulmonary arrest, cardiogenic shock, and acute gastrointestinal bleeding were listed as causes of death as well.

Craig Harvey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner's office, stated on Wednesday that Pena's death certificate, which is public record, was signed by a private doctor.    

According to TMZ, Pena had battled alcoholism for months but her struggle with drinking allegedly became acute just before her death.

Pena died on Oct. 14 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 55. No information was released by the actress's family at the time of her passing.

The film and television star had a long career on screen. Over her four decades of acting, she starred in films like "La Bamba" and "Jacob's Ladder."

She was also featured on several TV shows and most recently starred as Sofia Vergara's mother on "Modern Family."

Just before her death, she also finished work on El Rey Network's "Matador."

Pena won four American Latino Media Arts (Alma) Awards throughout her career and is considered by many to have helped break down barriers for Latina actresses in Hollywood.

The actress leaves behind her husband, Hans Rolla, and their two children. She is also survived by her mother and sister.