Jacqueline Falk, the daughter of late actor Peter Falk, has died at the age of 60.
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by PEOPLE, Jacqueline died on Monday, April 27, at a residence in Los Angeles.
The medical examiner ruled the manner of death a suicide. Officials noted that the case remains open as the investigation continues and that her body has been released to the family.
Jacqueline, who was often known as Jackie, was one of two daughters adopted by Peter Falk and his first wife, Alyce Mayo, whom he married after meeting in college. Despite her famous father, Jacqueline lived largely outside the public spotlight and maintained a private life.
Peter Falk, an Emmy-winning actor, rose to international fame for his iconic role as Lt. Columbo on Columbo, a character defined by his rumpled raincoat, sharp intellect, and deceptively casual demeanor. He died in 2011 at age 83 after years of living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Beyond television, Falk appeared in numerous acclaimed films, including The Princess Bride, The Great Race, and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American entertainment.
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While Jacqueline remained out of the limelight, her sister Catherine Falk later became a prominent advocate for family visitation rights.
Catherine has spoken publicly about her experience during their father’s final years, alleging that she and Jacqueline faced significant obstacles in maintaining contact with him.
Those experiences led Catherine to campaign for legislation often referred to as Peter Falk’s Law, which aims to protect the communication and visitation rights of adult children when a parent is under conservatorship.
According to statements published by the Catherine Falk Organization, the sisters have previously said they learnt of their father’s death through media reports and their attorney and alleged that they were not notified ahead of his burial.
Jacqueline Falk’s death marks a quiet and tragic chapter in the legacy of a family long connected to Hollywood but often touched by personal and legal struggles away from the camera.
