Diane Keaton’s cause of death has been revealed. In a statement to PEOPLE, the family confirmed the “Annie Hall” star died from pneumonia at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California on Saturday, October 11. She was 79.
Diane Keaton was in good health until days before her death when she fell ill. A friend said her health “declined very suddenly” and she had difficulty breathing.
Diane was taken to the hospital on the morning of October 11. She was pronounced dead. No autopsy was performed. She was cremated several days later.
The family asked for donations in Diane’s memory to a food bank or animal shelter.
Diane is survived by 2 adopted children, a daughter named Dexter (left) and a son named Duke (right). She raised them as a single mom.
Diane is best known for her role as school teacher Kay Adams who married mob figure Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in The Godfather (1972). She won an Oscar Award for her role in Annie Hall (1977).
Pneumonia can be deadly for the elderly
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungus.
Pathogens invade the lungs and cause inflammation as tiny sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus. The inflammation reduces oxygen flow into the bloodstream.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue (weakness), pale skin, high fever and shaking chills.
About 1 million people are diagnosed with pneumonia annually in America. 150,000 are admitted to hospitals. Many recover fully without any issues.
The elderly and the very young are at high risk of death when they get pneumonia.
People with weak immunity and patients on ventilator (breathing) machines are also at high risk of death.
