Hugh Hefner died after going into cardiac arrest and experiencing respiratory failure, a death certificate for the magazine mogul has unveiled.
Playboy announced Hefner's death at 91 on Sept. 27. He died inside his Playboy Mansion surrounded by his four adult children and his wife Crystal Harris, People magazine noted.
"We laid him to rest Saturday. He is in the place he was always certain he wanted to spend eternity," Harris said in a statement Monday.
"He was an American hero. A pioneer. A kind and humble soul who opened up his life and home to the world. I felt how much he loved me. I loved him so much. I am so grateful."
"My father lived an exceptional and impactful life as a media and cultural pioneer and a leading voice behind some of the most significant social and cultural movements of our time in advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom," added Hefner's 26-year-old son Cooper."He defined a lifestyle and ethos that lie at the heart of the Playboy brand, one of the most recognizable and enduring in history. He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises."
A number of former Playboy models including Kendra Wilkinson and Pamela Anderson also commented on Hefner's passing recently.
"Thank you for making the world a better place. A freer and sexier place."
On Tuesday, it was announced that actor Jared Leto is set to portray Hefner in an upcoming biopic from director Brett Ratner.
