Amy Yasbeck Reveals John Ritter's Tragic Misdiagnosis

Amy Yasbeck, widow of actor John Ritter, has spoken out about the circumstances surrounding his death over two decades ago. Ritter, who gained fame for his role in "Three's Company," passed away in September 2003 at the age of 54.

Yasbeck, who now leads the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, shared in a recent interview that Ritter was mistakenly treated for a heart attack upon arrival at the hospital. She believes this misdiagnosis, which led to the administration of blood thinners, contributed to his death from an acute aortic dissection.

Ritter experienced symptoms while filming his ABC sitcom "8 Simple Rules" and was taken to the hospital. Despite four hours in the emergency room, doctors presumed a heart attack, a presumption that proved fatal as the treatment worsened his aortic condition.

Following Ritter's death, Yasbeck pursued a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging misdiagnosis. The case did not result in a verdict in her favor against the remaining physicians. The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health was established to increase awareness and improve the detection and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.