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Dean Martin's Son Ricci Martin Was Found Dead at Home — His Cause of Death Remains a Mystery

Oyin Balogun
Dec 22, 2021
07:22 P.M.

Dean Martin's son passed away in his home under mysterious circumstances, and up till today, what caused his death has not been revealed. Here is more about the story.

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2016 was an excellent year for the most part, but it saw the demise of many great Hollywood celebrities, including Ricci Martin, the youngest son of show–business legend Dean Martin.

Ricci Martin followed in his father's footsteps and became a musician, entertainer who garnered the affection of many people across the nation.

Dean Martin and Ricci Martin | Photo: Getty Images

Dean Martin and Ricci Martin | Photo: Getty Images

He was 62 when his body was discovered at his home in Utah, but for some reason, the cause of death was not confirmed. Here is all there is to know about his demise and his family.

HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN

In the years before he passed away, Ricci, who had great musical talent, had been performing in a touring tribute show dedicated to his late father.

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He released a single titled "Stop, Look Around" and eventually released an album he tagged "Beached" in the 70s. He worked alongside Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys to make the album a success.

Dean Martin on the set during filming of "The Dean Martin show" in 1967 | Photo: Getty Images

Dean Martin on the set during filming of "The Dean Martin show" in 1967 | Photo: Getty Images

Wilson produced the album and later became his brother–in–law. Ricci peddled his talent around the hot haunts in the country.

In the 1990s, he replaced his late brother Dean Paul Martin in the rock band he formed before his demise. Dean Paul named the band Dino, Desi, and Billy.

When Ricci joined the other two members Desi Arnaz Jr. and Billy Hinsche, they performed at places like the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas and other high-end clubs. Dean Paul lost his life while piloting a military jet in 1987.

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Outside music, Ricci made his mark as an author when he wrote a book that chronicled him growing up in Beverly Hills as part of his large blended family. He titled the book, which was released in 2002, "That's Amore."

The love was so strong between Jeanna and Dean that they got married one week after he was granted a divorce from his first wife, Betty Mcdonald.

In it, he gave the public an insider's look into the remarkable life he was born into. Among other things, there was a recollection of a party that was thrown at his family's home in celebration of his 21st birthday.

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The party was attended by many A-listers, including John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, and Elton John.

HE HAD AN ACCIDENT

His surviving family announced Ricci's death. One of his sisters, Deana, took to her Facebook page to share the tragic news.

"My heart breaks to announce the untimely death of my beloved brother," she wrote. "My family and I are devastated. He was one of the sweetest souls I have ever known. Ricci's kindness, sweetness, and loving nature will be missed more than words can say. 'Rest in peace, Ricci. I love you!'"

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As earlier stated, the cause of his death remains unknown; however, earlier that year, he canceled his U.K. tour dates following a fall on the ice in front of his home.

Later in April of the same year, he explained that he had been subsequently admitted to the hospital, where he had been diagnosed with a subdural hematoma because of the fall.

He revealed that he had to stop the treatment for a deep vein thrombosis, which could have caused a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Ricci was recuperating at the time he shared his predicament, so his death shocked his fans.

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Dean-Paul Martin on stage during taping of 'The Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra Christmas Special' 1967 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

Dean-Paul Martin on stage during taping of 'The Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra Christmas Special' 1967 in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Getty Images

He was divorced at the time of his death, and he was survived by three daughters, Pepper, Montana, and Rio; an older brother, Craig; four sisters, Gail, Deana, Gina, and Sasha; and his mother, Jeanne Martin.

HIS MOTHER PASSED AWAY SHORTLY AFTER HE DID

Jeanne passed away shortly after her son Ricci died, but unlike him, the cause of her death was disclosed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she succumbed to her wounds after a tough battle with cancer. She was 89.

Dean Martin and son Dean-Paul Martin at the premiere party for 'Airport on March 19, 1970 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

Dean Martin and son Dean-Paul Martin at the premiere party for 'Airport on March 19, 1970 in Hollywood, California | Photo: Getty Images

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Jeanne was a model and orange bowl queen who achieved popularity when she became Dean Martin's wife at the height of his fame. After their marriage in 1949, the two became one of Hollywood's most photographed couples.

According to what Jeanne told author Nick Tosches for a 1992 biography of Dean Martin, they fell in love the first time their eyes met.

He had been on stage, and she had been among the crowd that came to the Beachcomber Club in Miami to watch him perform alongside Jerry Lewis on New Year's eve.

A 1966 family portrait of Dean Martin with his wife Jeanne and children (Gail, Craig, Claudia, Deana, Gina, Ricci and Dean Paul). | Photo: Getty Images

A 1966 family portrait of Dean Martin with his wife Jeanne and children (Gail, Craig, Claudia, Deana, Gina, Ricci and Dean Paul). | Photo: Getty Images

The love was so strong between Jeanne and Dean that they got married one week after he was granted a divorce from his first wife, Betty Mcdonald. Even Lewis, whom Dean professionally parted ways with in 1956, knew how much the couple loved each other.

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In his 2005 memoir titled "Dean & Me," he revealed that she was "the best thing (next to me) that ever happened to Dean," and fans agreed. For two decades, the pair were regarded as one of Hollywood's best-matched couples.

During the course of their relationship, the two welcomed three kids together, and she officially became stepmom to four more from his previous marriage to Betty Mcdonald. Jeanne and Dean broke up on December 10, 1969.

American singer, actor, comedian, and producer Dean Martin (1917-1995) and his wife Jeanne Martin (1927-2016) have a laugh at home circa November, 1967 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

American singer, actor, comedian, and producer Dean Martin (1917-1995) and his wife Jeanne Martin (1927-2016) have a laugh at home circa November, 1967 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

The sad news, which the orange bowl queen announced, broke the hearts of many. It caused almost as much heartache as his professional split from Lewis. The divorce was finalized in 1972, and Dean moved on with Catherine Hawn, a hair salon receptionist.

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While they were married, he legally adopted her daughter Sasha, but that did not stop their union from crashing in 1976. Jeanne Martin never married again but maintained a cordial relationship with her former husband.

The tragedy of their son, Dean Paul's demise, brought them together again in 1987, but nothing more happened between them. They remained on good terms until he passed away from respiratory failure on December 25, 1995.

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