Austin Powers star Verne Troyer spoke about ending his own life in the weeks leading up to his tragic death on Sunday.
The actor was treated at a hospital in Los Angeles for alcohol poisoning earlier this month after police were told he was suicidal, MailOnline reports.
At the time, a report surfaced online claiming the 49-year-old actor had been admitted to hospital for almost two weeks for alcoholism, but he later took to his social networking sites to play down his health woes and said he was checking into rehab.
Verne - who has been in rehab at least twice in the past and reportedly almost died from alcohol poisoning in 2002 - said: "I've been hearing from some concerned fans, so I'd like to address a personal situation.
"As you know, I've battled alcohol addiction in the past and while it's not always been an easy fight, I'm willing to continue my fight day by day.
"I've been receiving treatment for the last week and I am voluntarily checking into a treatment center later this week to continue to get the help that I need.
"I want to thank everyone that's reached out with their messages of support, it truly means the world to me. With your support, I got this. (sic)"
Verne's tragic passing was announced on his Facebook account yesterday and, although his cause of death wasn't confirmed, the statement suggested that he had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts in recent months.
It read: "It is with great sadness and incredibly heavy hearts to write that Verne passed away today. Verne was an extremely caring individual. He wanted to make everyone smile, be happy, and laugh. Anybody in need, he would help to any extent possible. Verne hoped he made a positive change with the platform he had and worked towards spreading that message everyday.
"Verne was also a fighter when it came to his own battles. Over the years he's struggled and won, struggled and won, struggled and fought some more, but unfortunately this time was too much.
"During this recent time of adversity he was baptized while surrounded by his family. The family appreciates that they have this time to grieve privately.
"Depression and Suicide are very serious issues. You never know what kind of battle someone is going through inside. Be kind to one another. And always know, it's never too late to reach out to someone for help."
Where can I get support and help?
Need to talk? 1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email: talk@youthline.co.nz
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 or www.depression.org.nz
The Lowdown: A website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety. www.thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
SPARX.org.nz: Online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 for support related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
SHARE ME