Jane Goodall’s cause of death has been confirmed as cardiopulmonary arrest, with epilepsy also noted on her death certificate, weeks after her passing at the age of 91.
The cause of death for renowned conservationist Jane Goodall has been disclosed as cardiopulmonary arrest, according to her death certificate issued by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. Goodall, who passed away on October 1 at the age of 91, also had epilepsy listed on the certificate, although it remains unclear if this condition contributed to her death.
Reports indicate that Goodall died during a speaking tour in the United States. Initially, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) announced that she had died “due to natural causes.” Following her passing, Fox News Digital reached out to the JGI for further comment.
Cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop beating, leading to a cessation of blood circulation. Health experts note that this condition can result in unconsciousness and death within minutes if not promptly treated.
Before losing consciousness, individuals experiencing cardiac arrest may exhibit symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This condition is distinct from a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, which occurs when a coronary artery is blocked, preventing blood flow and causing damage to the heart muscle, as defined by the American Heart Association.
Certain demographics are at a heightened risk for cardiopulmonary arrest, including older adults, males, and individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. Additional risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Those with congenital heart defects, structural heart issues, or a history of coronary artery disease or heart failure are also more susceptible.
In a statement following Goodall’s death, the JGI remarked, “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.” Goodall’s passion for primates began in her youth, leading her to earn a PhD in ethology from the University of Cambridge in the mid-1960s—one of the few students admitted without a prior bachelor’s degree.
In 1960, Goodall made a groundbreaking discovery that chimpanzees can use and create tools, a finding the JGI described as “one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship.” She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977, which has since become a leading conservation organization.
Goodall’s innovative approach to field research involved immersing herself in the habitats of the chimpanzees, allowing her to observe their complex social structures as a neighbor rather than a distant observer. This methodology enabled her to understand them not only as a species but also as individuals with emotions and enduring relationships.
In 1991, she established the Roots & Shoots program, a global youth initiative focused on conservation and humanitarian efforts. Most recently, Goodall was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Joe Biden at the beginning of 2025.
Goodall’s legacy as a pioneering primatologist and passionate advocate for the environment continues to inspire generations worldwide.
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