‘Line of Duty’ actor Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear to a major heart artery.

‘Line of Duty’ actor Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear to a major heart artery

‘Line of Duty’ actor Brian McCardie died after suffering a tear to a major heart artery

The 59-year-old, best known for playing underworld boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the popular BBC police drama, passed away in April, and his family have now revealed he was killed by an aortic dissection – a rare killer condition where a weakened aorta wall rips.

Brian’s sister Sarah said on social media: “Hi all, the McCardie family would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support regarding the sudden passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

“Brian died due to an aortic dissection, causing short pain and a sudden death.”

Updating fans about Brian’s final farewell, she added: “There will be a funeral mass held on Thursday 23rd May at 11.30am at St Mary's Church, 70 Bannatyne Street, Lanark.

“We then move on at 1.30pm to Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Holytown, Motherwell, where we will celebrate Brian’s life before he takes his final bow.

“There will be links available to both the mass and the cremation service for those who cannot attend in person.

“We will feel your support from afar. With love and thanks, The McCardie family, Eddie, Moira, Martin, Ed, Liz and Sarah. Xxx.”

The British Heart Foundation says aortic dissection occurs when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that make up the walls of the arteries – with symptoms including sudden and severe chest pain, pain in the jaw and face, and shortness of breath.

Glasgow-born Brian’s 35-year acting career saw him star alongside Sean Bean in the 2021 BBC prison drama ‘Time’ and in the film ‘Rob Roy’, as well as ‘Trainspotting’ creator Irvine Welsh’s ‘Crime’ TV series.

His film appearances included Irvine’s police thriller ‘Filth’ and ‘Low Winter Sun’ featuring Mark Strong.

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