Billy Miller’s mother speaks out following actor’s sudden death, addresses cause of death

Billy Miller’s mother, Patricia Miller, is speaking out to clear up some rumors following the sudden death of her son.

“I would like to share the following thoughts,” she began her statement to Soap Opera Digest. “I want to personally thank the many fans & personal friends for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers & condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ — Billy Miller.”

She went on to clarify earlier statements made by the Daytime Emmy-winning star that he “surrendered his life” after a “long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression.”

The General Hospital star died September 15 in Austin, Texas, according to multiple media reports. He was 43 years old at the time of his death, just two days shy of his 44th birthday.

“The actor was struggling with manic depression when he died,” his manager said in a statement.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 22: Actor Billy Miller poses in the press room with the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award for “The Young and the Restless” during The 41st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 22, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Patricia followed up with a lengthier statement, explaining the hardships her son endured over the past several years.

“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease,” her statement read.

“He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life. The other causes of death being told are not true. I wish they were but they just aren’t. We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss. I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support.”

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