Every Major Actor from ‘CSI’ Franchise Who Died

Over multiple series set in locations like Las Vegas, Miami, New York, and a cyber division, many characters played by well-known actors came and went, some even moving between lab and field scenes. Tragically, several talented performers who graced these shows have since passed away, their roles continuing to be part of the enduring legacy of the ‘CSI’ franchise.

This collection highlights actors associated with ‘CSI’ who have sadly passed away, offering precise details about the roles they portrayed and reliable information concerning their demises. The aim is to assist readers in swiftly identifying each individual within the broader narrative of ‘CSI’ tales and personas.

Evan Ellingson

Evan Ellingson frequently appeared on ‘CSI: Miami’ as Kyle Harmon, Horatio Caine’s son. His character’s narrative spanned several seasons and intertwined closely with Horatio’s personal story. He made significant appearances during pivotal moments in cases that centered around custody battles, mentorship, and the challenges of growing up amidst law enforcement.

On November 5, 2023, Ellingson tragically passed away at the age of 35, due to an unintended fentanyl overdose in Fontana, California. The authorities conducted a thorough investigation, which ultimately concluded that this was the cause of death, as confirmed by the official records following their findings.

John Heard

John Heard played the role of Kenwall Duquesne, Calleigh Duquesne’s father, on ‘CSI: Miami’. In multiple early seasons, he was portrayed as a defense attorney whose private issues and professional decisions frequently conflicted with the team’s investigations, leading to complex situations that impacted Calleigh during crucial cases.

It’s reported that he passed away on July 21, 2017, in Palo Alto, California, at the age of 71. After undergoing back surgery that week, his death was investigated by local authorities, and the details were eventually made public in official records.

Lisa Sheridan

In a scene on ‘CSI: Miami’, Lisa Sheridan joined the cast, portraying a character linked to cases that impacted several key team members. Her presence wove her character into ongoing plotlines, delving into how victims, witnesses, and suspects related to the laboratory’s discoveries.

I sadly bid farewell on February 25, 2019, at my residence in the vibrant city of New Orleans. At just 44 years old, I succumbed to the intricate complexities of long-term alcohol abuse. The coroner later confirmed this as the cause of my passing, dispelling initial doubts that had been raised in early reports. As a movie enthusiast, I lived and breathed cinema, but unfortunately, the same passion could not save me from the grasp of chronic illness.

Elizabeth Peña

In ‘CSI: Miami’, Elizabeth Peña portrayed Miami Dade Councilwoman Mercedes Escalante, a key figure in a high-profile case that drew the team into the complex world of courtroom proceedings and political tension. The episode put her character at the heart of opposing interests, challenging the team’s evidence under intense public scrutiny.

On October 14, 2014, Peña passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 55. Following her death, heartfelt tributes were paid, highlighting her extensive career in film and television, featuring her role as a guest star on ‘CSI: Miami’.

Chadwick Boseman

In the early stages of his acting career, Chadwick Boseman made a guest appearance on ‘CSI: NY’. This particular episode featured him as a significant guest star within the weekly plotline. Notably, this is one of several television performances he did prior to securing leading roles in high-profile films.

Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28, 2020, at the tender age of 43. After a personal fight against colon cancer, which he bravely endured in privacy. His family was the one to announce his sad demise, and subsequent updates provided details about his journey, ultimately confirming that colon cancer had taken his life.

Skip O’Brien

Crime Scene Investigation’ as Officer Ray O’Riley. During the initial seasons, he was a recurring character who assisted the main team in both outdoor operations and subsequent work that bridged the gap between patrol responses and the lab’s forensic examinations.

On the 6th of April, 2018, O’Brien passed away in New Jersey at the age of 67. His obituaries highlighted his deep connections to the area and his successful television career, with his stint on the original Las Vegas series being one of his most notable achievements.

Scott Wilson

On the show ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’, Scott Wilson portrayed Sam Braun, a dominant figure in the casino industry and Catherine Willows’ father. His character significantly influenced multiple key plots set in Las Vegas, particularly those involving stories where his personal past intertwined with evidence and investigative procedures.

On October 6, 2018, Wilson passed away at the age of 76 due to complications from leukemia. His demise sparked renewed interest in his TV roles, particularly his recurring stint on the original ‘CSI’, and a distinguished career in films.

Carmen Argenziano

Carmen Argenziano often appeared as a guest star in the franchise, leveraging his experience portraying both law enforcement officials and criminal underworld characters. In these roles, he found himself immersed in investigations involving individuals linked to organized crime and influential figures within local communities.

On February 10, 2019, Argenziano passed away at the age of 75, leaving behind a significant impact in the television industry due to his consistent work spanning over several decades. His notable performances across procedural dramas, such as ‘CSI’, were widely recognized and appreciated by many.

Pamela Gidley

As a devoted fan of crime dramas, I’d put it like this: On several occasions, I stepped into the shoes of Teri Miller, the forensic anthropologist, in the gripping series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’. My role involved lending my expertise to the Las Vegas team, particularly when they were grappling with bone analysis and cases that delved beyond their usual lab work – probing identity mysteries and skeletal evidence.

On April 16, 2018, Gidley passed away in New Hampshire at the age of 52. Her loved ones shared that she passed away peacefully. Memorial services celebrated her contributions to both film and television, as well as her notable role in the original series.

Brad Johnson

During the airtime of the network’s procedural shows, Brad Johnson made a special appearance in the franchise. His on-screen role was in an episode where he was involved in a case requiring both outdoor investigations and laboratory analysis, a common theme in his numerous TV roles from that period.

On February 18, 2022, Johnson passed away in Texas at the age of 62, due to complications arising from COVID-19. At that time, tributes were paid recalling his film and TV career, emphasizing his appearances on hit dramas during that era.

Kelly Preston

During the airing of the franchise on its television network, Kelly Preston briefly joined the cast. In this role, she was involved in a storyline where professional and personal issues were at play, interweaving parts that featured witness interrogations and evidence management into the overarching investigation.

Preston passed away on July 12, 2020, at the age of 57, following a quiet struggle against breast cancer. At that time, statements from her family and professional associates paid tribute to her career in film and television, particularly highlighting her guest appearances in more recent years.

2025-09-12 05:15