Sage Stallone's Mom Begged Him Not to Get Surgery Weeks Before Death
Mom says he was on painkillers following extensive dental surgery.
July 17, 2012 — -- Weeks before he died, the mother of Sage Stallone begged him not to undergo extensive dental surgery.
Sasha Czack, actor Sylvester Stallone's first wife, told the New York Post that her 36-year-old son was on pain pills at the time of his death after having had five teeth pulled. The extractions took place two weeks before he was found dead in his Los Angeles-area apartment Friday.
Czack said she advised him not to get the surgery, telling the Post, "I told him not to do that. I've heard about people dying having multiple procedures done to your mouth. Do not have more than one tooth [pulled]."
When the Post asked whether he was taking painkillers afterward, she answered, "Wouldn't you be?"
It could take weeks to learn Sage Stallone's official cause of death. A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner said Sunday that the results of the 36-year-old actor's toxicology tests would not be known for approximately six weeks. An autopsy on his body was completed Sunday.
Sylvester Stallone released a new statement Monday calling for an end to "the speculation and questionable reporting" about his son's death.
"When a parent loses a child there is no greater pain," he said in a statement to TMZ. "Therefore, I am imploring people to respect my talented son's memory and feel compassion for his loving mother, Sasha. This agonizing loss will be felt for the rest of our lives. Sage was our first child and the center of our universe, and I am humbly begging for all to have my son's memory and soul left in peace."
On Sunday, Sage Stallone's attorney said his client "never had any serious health problems" and no "history of drug or alcohol abuse."
"Sage was a really young, very sensitive, and very talented kid," attorney George Braunstein told People magazine. "There has been no indication that there was anything wrong in his life."
Sage Stallone's body was found by a housekeeper, who called authorities. Police said there were no signs of foul play. While there was no suicide note found at the scene, authorities said there were bottles of prescription drugs.
Sage Stallone played Rocky Balboa's son in "Rocky 5" in 1990 and appeared in the movie "Daylight" with his father. He also directed the 2006 short film "Vic."