Robert Kelker-Kelly’s cause of death has been confirmed as arteriosclerotic heart disease.
The Office of the Regional Medical Examiner in St. Charles, Missouri, disclosed the finding to the outlet on Thursday, more than two weeks after the soap star was found unconscious and not breathing at his Missouri home. Kelker-Kelly, 62, had reportedly been experiencing chest pain before the fatal episode.
First responders were dispatched to the actor’s residence around 8:16 p.m. On Oct. 3, according to Kyle Gaines, division chief and public information officer for the St. Charles County Ambulance District. The call came in for an adult male in cardiac arrest.
Paramedics and other emergency personnel rushed to the scene and attempted to revive Kelker-Kelly using advanced life-saving measures. A 911 dispatch recording captured the desperate efforts underway, with a caller reporting that Kelker-Kelly was unresponsive and that emergency personnel were working to get him out of his bed.
Police and paramedics ultimately pronounced the actor dead at the scene. Authorities noted at the time that there was nothing suspicious about the death.
Kelker-Kelly was best known for playing Bo Brady on “Days of Our Lives” from 1992 to 1995, taking over the role from Peter Reckell. He went on to appear on other daytime dramas, including “General Hospital” and “Another World.”
The actor later stepped away from Hollywood and pursued a career as a professional pilot while also working as an acting coach. He was married to actress Miriam Parrish from 1997 until their divorce in 2013. He is survived by their daughter, Amelia Rose Kelly.
Earlier this year, Kelker-Kelly made headlines after former “Days of Our Lives” co-star Lisa Rinna accused him of being the “biggest bully in Hollywood” in her recently released memoir, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.” Rinna alleged that Kelker-Kelly was verbally abusive, manipulative and played mind games with her while they worked together on the soap. Kelker-Kelly never publicly addressed her allegations.
The Oct. 3 emergency response unfolded after Kelker-Kelly’s wife found him in distress. The frantic 911 call captured the urgency of the moment as responders tried to extract him from his bed and administer aid. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save him.
Kelker-Kelly’s death marks another loss for the soap opera community, which has seen several veteran performers pass away in recent years. His portrayal of Bo Brady came during a transitional period for the character and helped maintain the role’s popularity among daytime viewers.
The medical examiner’s confirmation of arteriosclerotic heart disease as the cause provides closure regarding the circumstances of his final hours. The condition, involving hardening and narrowing of the arteries, often presents with chest pain as a warning symptom.
Kelker-Kelly’s body of work spans multiple beloved daytime dramas, though his tenure on “Days of Our Lives” remains his most recognized credit. His career trajectory from soap stardom to aviation and coaching reflected a life lived outside the typical Hollywood trajectory.
