EXCLUSIVE: Coroner's report reveals Canadian model Stefanie Sherk, 43, was withdrawing from Xanax and sleeping for just TWO hours a night before she was discovered at the bottom of her swimming pool by Hollywood actor husband Demian Bichir
- Stephanie Sherk was found at the bottom of her swimming pool in Sherman Oaks, California on April 12
- The model, who was married to Oscar nominated actor Demian Bichir, never regained consciousness and died in hospital on April 20
- On Wednesday, a report published by the Los Angeles Coroner ruled her death a suicide
- The report also revealed tragic new details about Sherk's dark final months, including her battles with insomnia, depression and prescription drugs
The late Canadian model Stefanie Sherk had a 'history of depression' and 'recent suicidal ideations' according to a report published Wednesday by the Los Angeles Coroner.
The 43-year-old star died after attempting to drown herself in the swimming pool at her home in Sherman Oaks, California on April 12.
Sherk's father and her Oscar-nominated husband, Demian Bichir, discovered the actress at the bottom of the pool with weights attached to her back and ankles. Her father attempted to perform CPR, but the model never regained consciousness and was declared dead eight days later on April 20.
The coroner's report revealed Sherk died as 'the result of the effect of lack of oxygen, mainly on the brain, produced by a purposeful drowning episode.'
They categorized the incident as a 'suicide', and wrote that there was 'no evidence of trauma' on her body.
According to a report from an officer who attended the scene, Bichir claimed Sherk had 'a medical history of depression, anxiety and insomnia.'
On Wednesday, a report published by the Los Angeles Coroner revealed tragic new details about Stephanie Sherk in the lead up to her suicide last month. She is pictured in 2013
Four months before her death, Sherk was thrown into a deep depression after both her grandmother and her beloved dog died within days of each other.
The report reveals that the star's sleeping pills had stopped working, and that she was getting by on just two hours of sleep a night.
Meanwhile, the coroner's publication revealed that the actress was just two days into a new treatment to get off Xanax when she decided to take her own life.
The LA officer wrote in the report: 'The decedent was also prescribed Xanax within the last two years. The decedent's father came down to visit her and helped her find a new doctor to detox from Xanax. They found a doctor and she was two days into her treatment.'
Just days before her suicide, Sherk called a friend and described exactly how she planned to kill herself.
'She called [redacted] and told him that she wanted to wear some weights and jump in the pool,' the report said.
Sherk was found at the bottom of a swimming pool at her Sherman Oaks home (pictured)
Sherk was married to Oscar nominated actor Demian Birchi, who discovered his wife at the bottom of their pool. They are pictured together in 2013
The report claims the friend 'talked her out of drowning herself and notified the husband and the family.'
Although Sherk had previously had suicidal thoughts, she had not attempted suicide before, according to the document.
Bichir, 55, who was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2011, announced his wife's death in a heartbreaking Instagram post on April 25.
He wrote: 'Dear friends, On behalf of the Sherk and the Bichir Nájera families, it is with inconceivable pain that I announce that on April 20, 2019, our dearest Stefanie Sherk, my beloved and loving wife, passed away peacefully.'
Sharing a snap of Sherk, the Mexican actor continued: 'It has been the saddest and toughest time of our lives and we don’t know how much time it will take for us to overcome this pain.
'Stefanie’s beautiful, angelical and talented presence will be immensely missed. We will hold Stefanie in our hearts forever.
'We thank everybody beforehand for their prayers and we respectfully ask for your understanding so we may grieve in peace and privacy in these incredibly difficult times.
'It is our sincerest hope that our beautiful Stefanie, my angel and love of my life, will rest in eternal peace,' he concluded.
Demian went on to repeat the message in Spanish where he also asked for respect during the difficult time of mourning.
Bichir announced Sherk's death in a heartbreaking Instagram post on April 25. They are pictured in 2013
'My angel and love of my life': Bichir asked for respect during the difficult time of mourning
Sherk and Bichir began dating in 2011 and do not have any children. Bichir has a daughter, Gala, born that same year, from a previous relationship.
It is unclear when the pair tied the knot, but when Bichir was quizzed on wanting to marry Sherk in 2014, he replied: 'It’s really hard to actually know if something is forever. I never plan that. You love who you love every day and you expect that to last forever.
'But you also have to be truthful when things are not right. And that’s when instead of having 14 kids everywhere and 18 marriages you need to be smart and truthful and fair to the people you love. If you’re lucky enough to go to the next level, then that’s beautiful too.'
Talented: The actress was born in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada and she starred in Demian's directorial debut Un Cuento de Circo & A Love Song
The model was born in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada and has a range of acting credentials to her name.
She starred Bichir directorial debut Un Cuento de Circo & A Love Song alongside Eva Longoria, as well as a slew of other films Star Power, Valentine's Day and Loco Love.
The star was most famously known for her role in the 2015 TV show #Hashtag: The Series, in which she played the mother of a technology-obsessed teen.
The couple was seen mingling with the likes of George Clooney and his then girlfriend Stacy Kiebler at the Oscars in 2012
In 2012, Sherk and Bichir were also pictured with Alec and Hilaria Baldwin
Sherk was also set to be in the new Grudge movie, which is currently in post production for release next year and in which she plays a therapist.
Meanwhile, Bichir was nominated for a coveted Oscar for Best Actor for his role in 2011's A Better Life.
He has also appeared in the films The Hateful Eight, Che: Guerrilla and Sex, Shame & Tears.
- For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.
- For confidential support in Australia LIFELINE: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au . Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Sherk and Bichir do not have any children. Bichir has a daughter, Gala, born in 2011, from a previous relationship. They are pictured in 2014
