Jane Goodall's cause of death has been confirmed as cardiopulmonary arrest, according to her death certificate obtained by TMZ. The renowned primatologist and conservationist passed away on October 1 at the age of 91 while on a speaking tour in California.
Cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical issue causes the heart to stop beating, resulting in unconsciousness and potentially death if not treated promptly. According to health experts, symptoms preceding cardiac arrest may include palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness.
Certain groups are at a higher risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, including older individuals, males, those with high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, inactivity, or smoking habits. Additionally, people with congenital heart defects, structural heart problems, or a history of coronary artery disease or heart failure are also more susceptible.
Jane Goodall's fascination with primates began at an early age, and she earned a PhD in ethology from the University of Cambridge in the mid-1960s. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees led to significant discoveries, including the use and creation of tools by these animals. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which has become a prominent conservation organization.
Goodall was recognized for her tireless advocacy for natural world protection with several awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom given by former President Joe Biden in 2025.
Cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical issue causes the heart to stop beating, resulting in unconsciousness and potentially death if not treated promptly. According to health experts, symptoms preceding cardiac arrest may include palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness.
Certain groups are at a higher risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, including older individuals, males, those with high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, inactivity, or smoking habits. Additionally, people with congenital heart defects, structural heart problems, or a history of coronary artery disease or heart failure are also more susceptible.
Jane Goodall's fascination with primates began at an early age, and she earned a PhD in ethology from the University of Cambridge in the mid-1960s. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees led to significant discoveries, including the use and creation of tools by these animals. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which has become a prominent conservation organization.
Goodall was recognized for her tireless advocacy for natural world protection with several awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom given by former President Joe Biden in 2025.
just heard the sad news about Jane Goodall... so many legendary humans passing away, and it's heartbreaking. cardiopulmonary arrest is super scary, I mean who wouldn't want their heart to just stop beating? 
at least she lived a long life, 91 is amazing! 
and can you believe all the crazy stuff that happens before cardiac arrest, like palpitations and chest pain? 
sounds super uncomfortable. i'm just glad her research and work made such a huge impact on conservation... we need more people like Jane Goodall in this world! 
. It's crazy to think that someone who started studying animals at such a young age became one of the most renowned experts in her field 
. I'm sure it's no surprise she was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom - her dedication to conservation is something we can all learn from 
. And 91 years young, wow! That's just amazing for someone who spent so much time on the road speaking about her work... maybe she just burned out 
or was ready for a well-deserved rest? Either way, we'll miss her 
.
just heard about Jane Goodall's passing and I'm still trying to process it. She was an icon in my book and I loved how she used her platform to raise awareness about animal conservation 
. I know we can't bring back our loved ones, but it's comforting to see how their impact continues to ripple out and inspire new generations of conservationists 
.
Her work inspired countless people to become conservationists & animal lovers just like me! Rest in peace, Jane 
just heard about Jane Goodall's passing 
. so sad to see someone as iconic and influential go 
. RIP jane 
... just can't believe she's gone. So sad about Jane Goodall passing away at 91, it's crazy how quickly those years go by. Interesting to think about her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and tools, who would've thought that was a thing? 
. "death certificate obtained by TMZ" - what's that even supposed to mean? is TMZ like a medical expert or something? and why did it take 'em 10 days to confirm the cause of death, anyway? shouldn't they've had that info sooner? also, cardiopulmonary arrest can be caused by so many other things too... like, have they ruled out any other possibilities? 
. Can someone explain why we can't get more info from our own site?!
. But still, it's devastating that we'll never get to see her face-to-face again or hear about all the amazing work she's been doing for conservation