Tony Lara’s family can find some peace knowing he did not die in pain. It is believed the 50-year-old “Deadliest Catch” star died after having a heart attack in his sleep on Saturday.

Ron Merwin, Meade County Sheriff, told TMZ scar tissue was found on Lara’s heart which is consistent with the effects of a heart attack. He added that it doesn’t appear drugs or alcohol played a role in the reality star's death, but that they will not know for sure until the toxicology report comes back.

People reported that as far as Merwin knows, Lara’s body has been released to his family for funeral arrangements, which will most likely take place in Alaska. Lara passed away in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he was visiting for an annual motorcycle rally.

The official Facebook page for the Cornelia Marie posted a tribute to the late captain Saturday night. They revealed that while Lara was not currently the boat’s captain, he still kept in touch with the crew. “He came to see us a couple months ago when he flew down to check out the Cornelia Marie after our big shipyard this year. Our hearts are heavy today,” the post reads. “Captain Tony Lara will continue to be in our thoughts and remembered as a generous, talented, smart and caring man. We will miss you Tony.”

Lara isn't the first member of the Cornelia Marie to pass away recently. The boat’s first captain, Phil Harris, died due to an intracranial hemorrhage after a stroke in 2010. Another member of the show, associate producer Joe McMahon, passed away last month when he was shot and killed in California, E! Online reports.

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