NEED TO KNOW
Jacqueline Falk died at a residence in Los Angeles, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office
The manner of death was ruled suicide, according to official records
She was one of two daughters welcomed via adoption by Peter Falk and his first wife, Alyce Mayo
Jacqueline Falk, the daughter of late Columbo star Peter Falk, has died at 66.
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner obtained by PEOPLE, Jacqueline died at a residence in Los Angeles. The manner of death was ruled suicide.
Additional details listed in the report indicate the body has been released, and the case remains open as the investigation continues.
Jacqueline was one of two daughters adopted by Peter and his first wife and college sweetheart, Alyce Mayo. The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as the rumpled but brilliant detective Lt. Columbo, died in 2011 at the age of 83 after living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Jackie Falk and Peter Falk at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 1998
Credit: Margaret C. Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Over his career, Peter also starred in countless films, including The Princess Bride, The Great Race and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
Jacqueline largely remained out of the public eye, keeping a private life despite her connection to Hollywood through her father. Her sister, Catherine, later became a leading voice on families’ rights, speaking out about her own experience navigating conservatorship issues involving their father in his final years.
Catherine has publicly alleged that she faced barriers in maintaining contact with her dad during that time, claims that informed her push for legislation known as “Peter Falk’s Law,” aimed at protecting visitation and communication rights for adult children.
According to the Catherine Falk Organization website, the sisters learned of their father’s death “from media reports and their attorney.” They also claim their father was buried without “notifying” them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
Read the original article on People
