Sean Connery died from pneumonia and respiratory failure: Bond legend's cause of death is revealed after he passed away in his sleep at home in Bahamas

  • Sir Sean Connery's official cause of death was listed as 'respiratory failure' 
  • Respiratory failure brought about by pneumonia, old age and atrial fibrillation
  • Atrial fibrillation can heighten the sufferer's risks of heart failure and strokes 
  • He passed away in the Bahamas at the age of 90, his death certificate stated

James Bond actor Sir Sean Connery was suffering from 'respiratory failure' when he died in his sleep at the age of 90, his death certificate has revealed. 

Connery's respiratory failure was brought about by Pneumonia, old age and atrial fibrillation - a heart condition causing an irregular and fast heart rate.

Atrial fibrillation can, in turn, heighten the sufferer's risks of heart failure and strokes.

He passed away in the Bahamas at the age of 90 and the report - obtained by TMZ - states he is married and lists his occupation as 'retired actor'.

The James Bond legend leaves behind his wife Micheline, Jason and his other son Stefan. 

At the time of his death, Jason told the BBC: 'We are all working at understanding this huge event as it only happened so recently, even though my dad has been unwell for some time.

'A sad day for all who knew and loved my dad and a sad loss for all people around the world who enjoyed the wonderful gift he had as an actor.'

A poignant last photo of James Bond legend Sean Connery, who died in his sleep at the age of 90 last month, showed him posing with his son Jason on his 89th birthday. Pictured left: Jason's partner Fiona Upton

A poignant last photo of James Bond legend Sean Connery, who died in his sleep at the age of 90 last month, showed him posing with his son Jason on his 89th birthday. Pictured left: Jason's partner Fiona Upton 

The James Bond actor (pictured) was suffering from 'respiratory failure' when he died in his sleep at the age of 90, his death certificate has revealed

The James Bond actor (pictured) was suffering from 'respiratory failure' when he died in his sleep at the age of 90, his death certificate has revealed

Connery, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for being the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962¿1971.
Pictured: Sean Connery in 2017

Connery, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for being the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971 

Connery, whose movie career spans five decades, is best known for being the first to portray the role of British fictional spy 007 who he played between 1962–1971.  

News of Connery's official cause of death comes after his widow revealed how Bond star Connery would 'return home'. 

Speaking from the couple's luxury home at Lyford Cay this month, Mrs Connery said: 'We are going to bring Sean back to Scotland - that was his final wish. He wanted his ashes to be scattered in the Bahamas and also in his homeland.' 

The 91-year-old Moroccan-French painter, who was married to the actor for nearly half a century, intends to carry out his wishes at the earliest opportunity.

She said: 'Whenever it is possible and safe to travel again, then it is the family's intention to return to Scotland with him.

'We would like to organise a memorial service for him in Scotland - that is our hope. But we cannot say when this will happen exactly.

Sir Sean Connery's widow Micheline (pictured together) has said that even though the Bond star had lived overseas for many years, his 'final wish' was to return home

Sir Sean Connery's widow Micheline (pictured together) has said that even though the Bond star had lived overseas for many years, his 'final wish' was to return home

'Sean will be cremated at a private service in the Bahamas and his ashes will be kept until we can travel. We do not know when this will be possible.' 

She paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, saying: 'He was gorgeous and we had a wonderful life together. He was a model of a man.' 

She revealed how, latterly, he had been ravaged by dementia, saying: 'He was not able to express himself. It was not a life.

'I was with him all the time and he died very peacefully in his sleep.

'He just slipped away and we were there with him all the way.'

 A memorial thanksgiving service in Edinburgh would allow Sir Sean's brother Neil, who lives in the city, to pay his respects to his only sibling.

It has not been confirmed where in Scotland Connery's ashes will be scattered. One option would be in the capital, where he grew up and took his first job as a milkman

 It has not been confirmed where in Scotland Connery's ashes will be scattered. One option would be in the capital, where he grew up and took his first job as a milkman

The 82-year-old has recently suffered poor health.

It has not been confirmed where in Scotland Connery's ashes will be scattered. One option would be in the capital, where he grew up and took his first job as a milkman.

His childhood home was demolished decades ago, but Sir Sean retained a lifelong affection for the Fountainbridge area of the city.

Other possibilities include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where he received his treasured knighthood from the Queen in July 2000 while dressed resplendently in dark green MacLeod tartan.

The Palace option would mean seeking Royal permission, but the star was a friend of the Princess Royal. 

If the decision is based on beauty and solitude, then both Crinan and Lochgilphead may be considered. 

The Argyll locations were used during filming for 1963's 007 classic From Russia With Love - Sir Sean's second outing in the role of James Bond.

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