Angus Cloud’s Mother Lisa Shares Heartbreaking Details of His Final Days and Enduring Legacy
In a profoundly moving and candid interview with PEOPLE, Lisa Cloud, the grieving mother of beloved Angus Cloud, opened up about the immense sorrow and the beautiful memories surrounding her late son. Seated in Angus’s deeply personal bedroom, a space adorned with his characteristic graffiti-covered walls – a testament to his vibrant creativity – Lisa affectionately recalled the young actor’s life and the circumstances leading to his tragic passing on July 31. “He was so beautiful and creative,” she shared, her voice filled with both love and an undeniable ache. “He loved his home and he loved this little, tiny room.” This intimate setting, filled with the echoes of his artistic spirit, provided a poignant backdrop for a mother to reflect on the child she lost too soon.
The emotional weight in the room became palpable as Lisa’s gaze fell upon a paint-splattered wooden desk. After a significant pause, she delivered the devastating revelation: “This is where my boy passed away.” It was at this very desk that Angus Cloud, whose birth name was Conor, was discovered by his mother. He was found slumped over on that fateful day, just 25 years old. The subsequent investigation into his death brought further heartbreak, confirming he had succumbed to acute intoxication from an accidental drug overdose. The toxicology report indicated the presence of a dangerous cocktail of substances in his system: fentanyl, benzodiazepines (both potent central nervous system depressants), along with cocaine and methamphetamine. This accidental overdose sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among his devoted fanbase, who had come to adore him for his authentic portrayal of Fezco on HBO’s *Euphoria*.
Reliving the horrifying moment of discovery, Lisa recalled, her voice thick with emotion and tears streaming down her face, “I started shaking him and screaming.” The sheer terror and desperation of a mother confronted with such an unthinkable scene were evident in her account. “I pushed him hard, and he fell on the floor. I tried to resuscitate him — mouth to mouth — and I was compressing him. I was screaming for my neighbor because I didn’t want to leave him and call 911, and I just kept at it until they took him away.” Her vivid description painted a harrowing picture of a mother’s frantic, desperate struggle to bring her beloved son back, a testament to the primal instinct to protect and preserve life, even in the face of insurmountable odds. This raw, unfiltered account highlights the traumatic impact of sudden loss on a family.
Wiping away fresh tears, Lisa articulated the profound depth of her ongoing grief. “I miss him so much,” she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. “He was the love of my life.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulated the irreplaceable void Angus left behind, not only in his mother’s heart but also in the lives of everyone who knew him and admired his unique talent.
Addressing the official cause of death and seeking to clarify misconceptions, Lisa explained how the combination of drugs found in Angus’s system affected his body. “It was predominantly the central nervous system depressants. It started to slow his heart and slow his breathing,” she elucidated. “He got tired from lack of oxygen. Everything just slowed down, and eventually his heart stopped and he went to sleep. But he didn’t kill himself.” This distinction is crucial for Lisa, as it underscores the accidental nature of his passing, emphasizing that Angus did not intentionally end his life. Her words aimed to counter any potential speculation and provide a clear, albeit heartbreaking, explanation rooted in the medical findings and her understanding of her son. In a world grappling with the opioid crisis, Angus’s story serves as a tragic reminder of the unforgiving power of these substances.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Angus Cloud (@anguscloud)
The outpouring of condolences and tributes from Angus’s fans and friends has been a source of comfort for Lisa. She reflected on the incredible impact her son had on so many lives, finding solace in the widespread affection for him. “He went out at his total power, his total beauty, his total influence, and the reaction that everyone has had is very moving to me,” she shared. Lisa emphasized that Angus was more than just a celebrity statistic. “You know, he’s not just an actor who overdosed. He was a beautiful soul, and that’s why people miss him so much.” This sentiment resonated deeply with those who knew Angus through his work and his genuine, humble personality. His portrayal of Fezco, a drug dealer with a surprising moral compass and deep loyalty, captivated audiences and showcased his innate charisma and unique acting style, making him a breakout star on *Euphoria*.
Angus’s passing occurred amidst profound personal grief, just over two months after his father, Conor Hickey, died from cancer. This double tragedy undoubtedly weighed heavily on the young actor. The *Euphoria* star was reportedly struggling immensely with his father’s loss, a sorrow that was palpable to those around him. A week before his own death, Angus traveled to Ireland with his family, including his twin sisters Molly and Fiona, to scatter his father’s ashes. Lisa poignantly recounted the collective grief: “My son and his twin sisters were deeply grieving about their dad. They were all devastated.” This recent, significant loss provides crucial context to Angus’s emotional state in his final weeks, highlighting the intense emotional burden he carried.
The depth of Angus’s love and longing for his father was evident in his final public post. Just two weeks before his own death, he took to Instagram to share a tender photo of his dad, capturing a moment of profound remembrance. “miss u breh,” he simply wrote in the caption, a heartfelt message that now carries an even heavier meaning. However, despite his ongoing grief, Lisa recalled that Angus seemed to be in decent spirits the day before his passing. His Uncle Kevin Cloud joined him to move a loveseat from his bedroom to the front porch, exchanging it for a bookcase from the basement. During this time, Angus also placed his late grandfather, Dr. Preston Cloud’s ashes on the mantle, suggesting a quiet moment of connection with his family’s past. Kevin Cloud, one of the last people to see Angus alive, shared his poignant final memory: “We spent about four hours of his last afternoon together. It was an easy and happy time. He seemed supremely fit and healthy. The last thing I said to him was, ‘God, you are beautiful.’” These seemingly ordinary moments underscore the sudden and unexpected nature of his death, making it all the more heartbreaking for his loved ones.
Angus’s final hours were filled with activity and creativity, characteristic of his artistic soul. He spent time painting a skateboard and later ventured into the city with his friend, Daniel Aguilera. Their mission was deeply personal and symbolic: to spray paint a memorial for another friend who had tragically died from a fentanyl overdose six years prior. Daniel recalled that they finished their artistic tribute around 4 a.m., and he believes Angus did not begin using substances until he returned home. Earlier that evening, in a moment that would become his last exchange with her, the talented star wished his mother a tender goodnight. His final words to Lisa were etched into her memory: “I love you, mama. You’re the best. I’ll see you in the morning.” These words, filled with affection and a promise of a new day, are a painful yet cherished memory for a mother grappling with an unbearable loss. Angus Cloud’s story, marked by immense talent and tragic loss, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and the importance of open conversations about mental health and substance abuse, especially within the pressures of fame.