South African actress and model Charlbi Dean died in August from a bacterial infection, according to multiple reports.
The “Black Lightning” and “Triangle of Sadness” actress was only 32 when she succumbed to a sudden illness that was confirmed Wednesday by the New York City medical examiner to be bacterial sepsis, according to Fox News Digital.
The actress’ death was reportedly ruled an accident. She died at a New York City hospital on Aug. 29, a source told The Post at the time.
Capnocytophaga, the type of bacteria that sickened her, is rare and lives in the mouths of dogs and cats, though it won’t make the animals sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Capnocytophaga germs can spread to people through bites, scratches, or close contact from a dog or cat and may cause illness, including sepsis,” the CDC says on its website.
“People with certain health conditions are at greater risk of infection, but anyone could become sick from Capnocytophaga bacteria,” the CDC also says.
It isn’t clear if contact with a dog or cat led to her infection because the full autopsy has not been provided, People reported.
USA Today reported that Dean’s brother told Rolling Stone in August that his sister was in a bad car accident in 2009 and her spleen was removed.
Before her sudden death, Dean landed the biggest role of acting career when she appeared in “Triangle of Sadness” with Woody Harrelson. The movie was released in United States theaters in October.
She had a recurring role in “Black Lightning,” a television show based off DC Comics that aired on CW from 2018 to 2021.
Dean’s other movie credits include “Blood in the Water,” “Don’t Sleep,” “An Interview with God,” “Porthole” and “Spud,” which was her first film role in 2010.
Also a model, she appeared in British Vogue, GQ and Cosmopolitan magazines.
Dean and fellow model Luke Volker got engaged in April.