Over the weekend, restaurateur Harry Morton died suddenly at age 38, and now his family is sharing new details about his death.
In a statement obtained by Page Six, Morton’s family said, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son, brother and friend. Harry was the brightest light in all our lives and his spirit will live on forever.”
The family revealed that he suffered from coronary artery disease and a “mildly enlarged heart.”
Family friend and leading cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Kathy E. Magliato found that Morton had “calcification in three main arteries and suffered sudden cardiac arrest.”
A source noted that Morton did not have any drugs in his system. No foul play is suspected.
An autopsy has been performed, but his official cause of death was deferred for further testing.
According to the site, his family will hold a memorial service on Saturday in Beverly Hills.
TMZ reported that Morton was found unresponsive by his brother Matthew. When paramedics arrived, Morton was pronounced dead on the scene and taken to the coroner’s office.
A day before his passing, Morton enjoyed dinner with his family and seemed to be in good spirits. A source told Page Six, “Harry’s family is devastated.”
Morton founded the restaurant chain Pink Taco in 1999 when he was only 18. In a statement, Pink Taco said, “We are saddened by the passing of Harry Morton, the founder and former owner of Pink Taco. Harry was a visionary and restaurateur ahead of his time, and his contributions, both professionally to our brand and personally to those he worked with, were numerous. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Morton’s ex-girlfriend Lindsay Lohan reacted to the sad news, writing on Instagram, “Best friends. Best life.” They dated for a few months in 2006.
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Aside from Lindsay, Morton had been linked to Demi Moore, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston and Hayden Panettiere over the years.
Harry is the son of Peter Morton, who co-founded Hard Rock Café and Hotel. His grandfather Arnie Morton founded Morton’s The Steakhouse.