Brian McCardie’s sister Sarah has confirmed her brother died earlier this month due to an “aortic dissection”.
The 59-year-old, best known for his roles in BBC dramas Time and Line of Duty, died on April 28, with his family only stating at the time it was “sudden”.
Now, almost three weeks on, McCardie’s sister has taken to social media to thank his fans for their support.
In doing so, she confirmed his funeral arrangements and revealed a cause of death.
“Hi all, the McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie – beloved son, brother, uncle & friend,” she began.
The actor’s sister continued: “Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.
Brian McCardie died at the age of 59 earlier this month
BBC
“There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 1130am at St Mary’s Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark.
“We then move on at 1330pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell ML1 5RU where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.
“There will be links available to both the mass & the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person – we will feel your support from afar.”
She then signed off: “With love & thanks, The McCardie family – Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz & Sarah. Xxx. #BrianMcCardie #RestInPeace #GoneButNeverForgotten #YNWA.”
Before long, friends rushed to share their condolences in response to Sarah’s update, including one who penned: “Thinking of you and sending you and your family so much love xxx.”
“Love and thoughts to you and your family xx,” a second echoed before a third added: “Ocht, Life can be so very cruel. All the loves to you and your family.”
In the years before his death, McCardie became a familiar face on screens after taking on the role of criminal mastermind Tommy Hunter in Line of Duty.
The show’s producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath released a statement at the time of McCardie’s death which red: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Brian McCardie’s death.
Brian McCardie dead: The actor starred opposite Sean Bean in BBC drama Time
BBC
“We feel honoured to have worked with Brian on Line Of Duty. Brian was an incredibly talented actor, and the lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance.
“Off screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”
Other tributes poured in at the time from the likes of George Clarke, Paul Larkin and Alan Bowman Clarke.
Elsewhere on his CV, McCardie has starred in Filth, The Long Shadow, The Tower, Crime and ITV’s Six Four.