Amanda Peterson Dead: Mother Claims Actress Battled Drug Addiction

Amanda Peterson, the actress who’s claim to fame was starring in the classic 80s film, Can’t Buy Me Love, has passed away at her home on Sunday, July 5 from sleep apnea. Now, her mom is coming out and saying that Peterson had a history riddled with substance abuse.

Amanda Peterson’s mother, Sylvia, spoke to Us Weekly about her daughter’s loss. She released a short and sweet statement. Peterson tragically died in her sleep at the age of 43.

“I just think she was a precious person and it’s a big loss. That’s all I can say.”

Sylvia also confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that her daughter had sleep apnea. Amanda also struggled with a history of depression and drugs when she was younger. Sylvia noted that Amanda has been clean for years.

“This was not, in any way, a drug thing,” Sylvia told the celebrity news site after news of Amanda’s death broke on late Monday night, July 6.

Sylvia also claims that Amanda Peterson appeared to be in “good spirits” before the time of her death. She added that her daughter did not appear sick when she met up with her last Wednesday. Sylvia and Amanda were gardening during their last moments together. Amanda’s mother also shared photos of her daughter from her better moments in time.

Sylvia said of her meeting with her daughter, “Amanda was in good spirits.”

Meanwhile, Amanda’s father spoke to TMZ about her health issues. While the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Amanda’s father said that she’s suffered from “several medical issues” over the past two years. Some of those health issues included pneumonia, sinusitis, and sleep apnea.

“She had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed,” Peterson said about his daughter’s death.

Police reported that they do not suspect that foul play was involved in Amanda Peterson’s death and added that she was dead for two to three days before her body was discovered. Police found Peterson’s body around 6 p.m. on Sunday after they received a well-being call. An autopsy and toxicology test was performed on Monday.

Amanda Peterson famously starred in the 1987 hit movie Can’t Buy Me Love opposite Patrick Dempsey. Amanda left the movie industry in the 90s. In a 1988 interview with ET, Amanda expressed her disinterest with Hollywood’s roles for teenage actors.

“Hollywood especially tires – well, I don’t know if it tries or not – but it clichés these teenagers and it’s really bothersome. After a while every guy is trying to lose his virginity and ever girl is whatever and, you know, they’re like party animals.”

Peterson is survived by her husband David Hartley and their two children, according a Variety report.

[Image: Variety/Touchstone Pictures]