Leo O’Brien was a talented actor who starred in the 1985 film “The Last Dragon” as Richie Green, the younger brother of the protagonist Bruce Leroy. He charmed the audiences with his witty and cool personality, and became a cult classic star. However, his life was cut short at the age of 41, when he died in his sleep on October 10, 2012. What was the cause of his death? How did he end up in such a tragic fate? This article will reveal the untold story of Leo O’Brien’s cause of death and his legacy.
The Shooting Incident
One year before his death, Leo O’Brien was involved in a violent dispute with an acquaintance named Travis, who shot him three times in Harlem on Labor Day, September 5, 2011. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to remove the bullets from his chest, abdomen and arm. He survived the attack and told the New York Daily News that he was a “fast healer” and that he had been told that if this happened to someone else, they would be dead [according to TMZ].
However, his nephew Michael O’Syris Timmons, who was also close to him, told The Last Dragon Tribute that he believed that his uncle died from the complications of his gunshot wounds and the improper medical treatment he received [according to The Last Dragon Tribute]. He said that the doctors did not sew him up properly, and that he suffered from internal pain and numbness in his hand after he came home from the hospital. He also said that they suspected medical malpractice, but they did not have enough evidence to pursue legal action.
The Comeback Attempt
Despite his physical and emotional trauma, Leo O’Brien did not give up on his acting career. He reunited with his co-star Taimak Guarriello, who played Bruce Leroy in The Last Dragon, and worked with him on a new film project called “I’ve Seen Things”. He also got in touch with Dallas Jackson, the writer and producer of the planned remake of The Last Dragon, who wanted to have him in the movie no matter what [according to The Last Dragon Tribute]. He was eager to return to the big screen and show his talent to a new generation of fans.
However, he never got the chance to finish his comeback. He died unexpectedly in his sleep on October 10, 2012, leaving behind his son Drew O’Brien, who also wanted to follow his footsteps as an actor. His autopsy was inconclusive, and the medical examiner’s office was awaiting toxicology results [according to BET]. His funeral was private and he was cremated. He was remembered by his family, friends and fans as a talented, charismatic and sweet person who had a good sense of humor.
The Legacy
Leo O’Brien’s cause of death may remain a mystery, but his legacy lives on through his work and his son. His performance as Richie Green in The Last Dragon is still admired by many people who grew up watching the film or discovered it later. He brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers with his witty lines and cool attitude. He also inspired many young actors who wanted to pursue their dreams in Hollywood.
His son Drew O’Brien, who goes by the stage name Dre Breezy, is also an actor and rapper who has appeared in several films and music videos. He has inherited his father’s talent and charisma, and he hopes to honor his memory by playing his role in the remake of The Last Dragon [according to The Last Dragon Tribute]. He also keeps in touch with Taimak Guarriello, who considers him as family.
Leo O’Brien may be gone, but he is not forgotten. He will always be remembered as a cult classic star who made an impact on the world with his talent and personality. He will always be Richie Green, the too-cool little brother of Bruce Leroy.