Karl Shiels is claimed to have died in his sleep aged 47 after the actor repeatedly fell asleep while filming.
The Irish soap star, known for starring in Fair City as Robbie Quinn, died on Sunday 14 July, with his death confirmed yesterday by his agent.
Speaking to MailOnline, sources have claimed the actor died in his sleep, with actors on the set of Fair City concerned by his habit of falling asleep during shoots.
A friend told the publication: ‘No one offered to help him or ask what was wrong. They just talked about him behind his back.’
In a statement confirming his death, agent Lisa Richard said: ‘We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our client and friend Karl Shiels, yesterday.
‘Karl was a uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, light-hearted, funny, sharp-witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director of the Theatre Upstairs – where he was such a support and mentor for young writers, actors and directors – and of his own company Semper Fi before that.
‘Our hearts are broken but today our thoughts are with his partner Laura and his family, his children and their mother Dearbhla and his many close friends among whom we count ourselves lucky to have been for so many years.’
Alongside Fair City, Shiels is known for a number of TV roles including an episode of Peaky Blinders as character Ryan in 2013, and playing Declan in martial arts drama Into The Badlands.
MORE: Karl Shiels age, cause of death and career from Peaky Blinders to Fair City