Jane Goodall’s cause of death has been disclosed, following her passing at the age of 91. Reports indicate she died of “cardiopulmonary arrest,” or cardiac arrest, based on her death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Additionally, the certificate noted that she had epilepsy, although it’s uncertain whether this contributed to her death.
Goodall, a renowned primatologist, died on October 1 while on a speaking tour in the U.S. Initially, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) stated she had passed away due to natural causes. They have yet to provide further comments on the matter.
Medical professionals explain that cardiac arrest occurs when the heart ceases to function due to electrical issues. When this happens, a person can lose consciousness and, if not treated, could die within minutes. Symptoms of cardiac arrest can include feelings like dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath, before losing consciousness.
This is quite different from a heart attack, which happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, leading to potential damage. Certain demographics, like older adults and individuals with existing heart risk factors, are generally at a higher risk for cardiac arrest.
After Goodall’s passing, the JGI shared that her work transformed understanding in animal behavior and emphasized her relentless advocacy for environmental conservation.
Goodall pursued her interest in primates from a young age, eventually earning her PhD in animal behavior at Cambridge without a prior bachelor’s degree. In 1960, she famously observed chimpanzees using tools, a groundbreaking discovery for the scientific community. She founded the JGI in 1977 to promote conservation efforts.
Additionally, Goodall established the Roots & Shoots program in 1991, aimed at youth activism in environmental and humanitarian issues. Unless I’m mistaken, it seems she was recently honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden at the beginning of 2025.
