‘Breaking Bad’ actor Mike Batayeh’s cause of death revealed
The cause of death for “Breaking Bad” actor Mike Batayeh, who died June 1 at his Michigan home, has been confirmed.
In an email to The Post, a representative for the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that the 52-year-old performer died by “asphyxia hanging.”
No further details were released by the office.
His family had previously told The Post that Batayeh died in his sleep of a heart attack and that his passing was very sudden, with relatives adding that he did not have a history of heart issues.
A Pittsfield Township Police Department report obtained by The Post indicated that law enforcement had been called to his third-floor, one-bedroom apartment for an “unattended death” and “possible suicide.”
According to the report, a male relative was aware of Batayeh’s “turbulent mental health” and that Batayeh had spent a weekend with him late last month “to distract himself.” The relative claimed to police that Batayeh had previously attempted suicide about a decade ago.
The report also noted that another witness, identified as Batayeh’s “therapist,” claimed that the actor had been his client “off and on for the past seven years,” and the witness had become concerned when Batayeh missed a scheduled appointment on the morning of June 1.
When contacted by The Post on Monday, Batayeh’s manager, Steve Owens, reiterated that the actor “died of a heart attack in his sleep” without further comment.
The Post also has reached out to Batayeh’s family for comment.
“He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and his great ability to bring laughter and joy to so many,” his family had said in a statement to TMZ, and a celebration of life service is set for June 16 in Plymouth, Michigan, his manager previously told The Post.
In his memorable role, Batayeh played Markowski — the manager of Lavandería Brillante industrial laundromat, run by drug kingpin Gus Fring — in three episodes of AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” from 2011 to 2012.
Batayeh — a comedian and voice actor who made appearances in shows including “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “The Shield,” “Boy Meets World” and “CSI: Miami” — also was featured in movies including 2006’s “American Dreamz,” (2006), 2011’s “This Narrow Place” (2011) and the 2012 drama “Detroit Unleaded.”
A Detroit native, he is survived by his five sisters, as well as nieces and nephews — the latter relatives calling him their “Funcle,” according to an obituary provided by the family that called him a “kind, sensitive, intelligent, and gifted soul.”
“Mike was always passionate about helping youth in the community where he lived and grew up facing similar challenges,” read another online obituary.
His family asked for donations to go to the Clark Park Coalition fund to support Southwest Detroit youth.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
