Demian Bichir Announces the Passing of Wife Stefanie Sherk

Published: 4/26/2019, 10:11:05 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES—Demian Bichir announced the death of his wife, Canadian actress, and model Stefanie Sherk, in a heartfelt message on Instagram.

The Mexican actor wrote early on April 24 that Sherk died “peacefully” on April 20.

“It has been the saddest and toughest time of our lives and we don’t know how much time it will take for us to overcome this pain,” he said in his post with a picture of Sherk. “It is our sincerest hope that our beautiful Stefanie, my angel, and love of my life, will rest in eternal peace.”

Bichir did not specify the cause of death. He asked for respect during his time of mourning.

The death of Sherk has been ruled a suicide.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner-Coroner relayed the cause of death information to PEOPLE, one of which was reported to be drowning.

According to The Metro, two other causes of death have been identified as anoxic encephalopathy and asphyxia.

Bichir was reported by The Blast as having found his wife unresponsive at the bottom of a swimming pool on April 12. The publication reported Bichir and a family member took Sherk to a hospital, where eight days later she died.

Law enforcement sources cited by The Blast said Sherk used a heavy object to weigh herself down at the bottom of the pool.

It has been widely reported Sherk was 37 years old at the time of her death, though The Blast reported official records indicate she was 43.

Canadian actress Stefanie Sherk listens to Mexican actor Demian Bichir present his directorial debut, "Un cuento de circo & Love Song," at the Morelia Film Festival, in Morelia, Mexico on Oct. 24, 2016 (Berenice Bautista/AP Photo, File) — Canadian actress Stefanie Sherk listens to Mexican actor Demian Bichir present his directorial debut, "Un cuento de circo & Love Song," at the Morelia Film Festival, in Morelia, Mexico on Oct. 24, 2016 Berenice Bautista/AP Photo, File

The couple started their relationship in 2010 and did not have children together. Bichir has a daughter, Gala, born in 2011.

Sherk was born in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada. She appeared in Bichir’s directorial debut “Un Cuento de Circo & A Love Song,” as well as the films “Star Power,” ″Valentine’s Day” and “Loco Love.” She also starred in ”#Hashtag: The Series.”

Bichir, 55, was nominated for an Oscar for best actor in 2012 for his role in Chris Weitz’s “A Better Life.” He has also appeared in films like “The Hateful Eight,” and ″Che: Guerrilla.”

Mexican actor Demian Bichir, left, presents his directorial debut, "Un cuento de circo & Love Song," as actress and cast member Stephanie Sherk listens, at the Morelia Film Festival in Morelia, Mexico on Oct. 23, 2016. (Berenice Bautista/AP Photo) — Mexican actor Demian Bichir, left, presents his directorial debut, "Un cuento de circo & Love Song," as actress and cast member Stephanie Sherk listens, at the Morelia Film Festival in Morelia, Mexico on Oct. 23, 2016. Berenice Bautista/AP Photo

Tributes

Friends and colleagues have offered condolences in the wake of the tragic loss.

Bryan Craig, who stars opposite Bichir on the ABC series "Grand Hotel" wrote, "This will be in my prayers Demian, I’m so sorry."

Diane Kruger, who co-starred with Bichir in "The Bridge," shared her sympathies: "Oh Demian, I’m so sorry I had no idea. I’m sending you so much love in this difficult time."

Stefanie Sherk attends an event at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 2012. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for VF) — Stefanie Sherk attends an event at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles on Feb. 24, 2012. Michael Buckner/Getty Images for VF

Bichir, who is well known in Mexico, also received condolences from Alfonso Herrera, Carlos Bardem, and Omar Chaparro.

"Lo lamento mucho. Un abrazo con mucho respeto y cariño," Herrera wrote in his native Spanish, which translates as: "My deepest regrets. Sending an embrace with great respect and affection."

"Cuento lo siento Demian," wrote Chaparro, "te mando un abrazo sincero y mis oraciones para todos ustedes en estos momentos," which translates as, "My condolences Demian, I send you a sincere hug and my prayers for all of you at this time."

Stefanie Sherk and husband Demián Bichir attend a film gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2014. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for LACMA) — Stefanie Sherk and husband Demián Bichir attend a film gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2014. Michael Buckner/Getty Images for LACMA

Sherk was born in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Canada, and has a number of acting credentials to her name.

In the 2015 television show "#Hashtag The Series," she played the mother of a technology-obsessed teen.

She also starred in Bichir's directorial debut "Un Cuento de Circo & A Love Song" alongside Eva Longoria.

Actors Stefanie Sherk, Demián Bichir, and Diane Kruger attend the after party for the season premiere of FX’s “The Bridge” at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood, Cali., on July 7, 2014. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) — Actors Stefanie Sherk, Demián Bichir, and Diane Kruger attend the after party for the season premiere of FX’s “The Bridge” at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood, Cali., on July 7, 2014. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Her other films include "Star Power," "Valentine's Day," and "Loco Love."

Meanwhile, Bichir's film credits include Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" and a nomination for an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in "A Better Life."

Epoch Times reporter Tom Ozimek and The Associated Press contributed to this report.