There is nothing more devastating in life than the loss of a child, regardless of their age—whether they are still in the womb or fully grown.
Sylvester Stallone knows this pain all too well, as he faced the heartbreaking loss of his firstborn, Sage Stallone, in 2012.
What many may not realize is that Stallone’s ex-wife and Sage’s mother, Sasha Czack, had urged Sage to avoid a significant dental procedure just weeks prior to his passing.
Before the official cause of Sage’s unexpected death was revealed, various theories circulated—ranging from drug use to alcohol issues and even suicide. However, the reality turned out to be more tragic than anyone could have anticipated.
Tough Childhood, Tough Adulthood.
The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and Sylvester “Rocky Balboa” Stallone faced significant challenges even before the heartbreaking passing of his son at the young age of 36.
In many respects, Stallone’s real-life journey mirrors that of his iconic character, Rocky Balboa, which has made him one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures.
From the start, Sylvester’s life was anything but easy. He was born into a tough world and had to fight from the very beginning. A complication during his birth resulted in the severing of a facial nerve, leaving part of his tongue and chin paralyzed.
This incident not only shaped Stallone’s distinctive snarl, which contributed to his fame, but it also had a negative impact on him as a child.
Oh no! It’s BIRTHDAY time again! Thankfully, you only have to be as old as you feel! Remember, it’s perfectly fine to grow up, as long as you never lose hope…
Posted by Sylvester Stallone on Thursday, July 6, 2017
As a result of his disfigurement, Stallone faced severe bullying and often felt like “Mr. Potato Head,” with his features out of place. To compound his struggles, he lacked a nurturing home environment; his father was abusive, and his mother was emotionally distant, having only “kissed him twice” throughout his childhood.
This tumultuous upbringing led to a troubled youth for Stallone, who often found himself in trouble. By the age of 12, he had already been expelled from 13 schools and had broken 11 bones due to various reckless antics, including jumping off a roof with an umbrella.
Eventually, Stallone found his way into bodybuilding and acting. Before achieving his remarkable success, he endured years of hardship, including periods of homelessness, where he slept at the Port Authority in Manhattan.
In those challenging days, he faced the brutal New York winters with nothing but a single coat. In a recent interview, he emphasized its significance, stating, “That coat saved my life.”
Everything changed for the better when he landed a role in the first Rocky film in 1976.
From Rags to Riches.
Before Stallone achieved fame and success, he married his first wife, photographer and director Sasha Czack. The couple welcomed two sons during their marriage: Sage, who was born in 1976, and Seargeoh, born in 1979.
Sylvester and Czack ended their relationship in 1985, and later that same year, he tied the knot with model and actress Brigitte Nielsen. Unfortunately, that marriage also did not last, resulting in a divorce just two years later.
As the saying goes, the third time’s a charm. In 1997, Stallone married model and businesswoman Jennifer Flavin, and they are still happily together, raising three daughters: Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet Stallone.
Stallone’s life has certainly been a mix of triumphs and challenges. However, no challenge could compare to the heartache of losing his first-born, Sage.
Sage Stallone was a film lover and entrepreneur who also explored acting during his brief 36 years. He appeared in several films alongside his father, including Rocky V and Daylight.
Sage was the visionary behind Grindhouse Releasing, an organization dedicated to remastering, restoring, and preserving films.
On July 13, 2012, Sage was found deceased in his apartment in the Los Angeles area by his housekeeper. Almost immediately, speculation regarding the potential cause of his death began to circulate.
Initially, there was some uncertainty regarding the exact timing of Sage’s death, with certain media sources suggesting he might have passed away several days prior to being discovered. However, this claim was later disproven when it was revealed that he had made a final Facebook post just 17 hours before his body was found.
Additional rumors surfaced, including one that suggested Sage had a room filled with liquor bottles, which led to theories that his death might be linked to substance abuse issues.
George Braunstein, a close friend and attorney of Sage, helped dispel these theories. He clarified that although Sage did enjoy smoking and indulging in candy and soda, he did not consume alcohol. The bottles that raised suspicion in his room were merely Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda.
“Sage was a young, sensitive, and exceptionally talented individual. There has been no evidence suggesting any issues in his life,” Braunstein remarked, noting that Sage had no significant health concerns or a background of drug or alcohol misuse.
The speculation of suicide surrounding Sage’s enigmatic death has been dismissed as a possibility. Authorities found no suicide note, and it’s important to note that he was looking forward to marrying his long-term girlfriend.
“He was incredibly creative, vibrant, and full of life,” Braunstein shared with E! News. “There was nothing gloomy or troubling in his life, and he certainly didn’t have any financial issues.”
“The coroner’s office announced that the final cause of death will be postponed pending further testing. They stated, ‘No results will be available until the testing is completed, which will take at least six to eight weeks.’ The LAPD has requested a security hold on any additional information regarding the case.”
As speculation surrounding Sage’s passing grew, Stallone urged the public to grant the family privacy and respect during this difficult time, expressing that there is no greater sorrow for a parent than losing a child.
He encouraged everyone to remember Sage with love and to show empathy towards him and his ex-wife, Czack.
“I am pleading with people to honor the memory of my incredibly talented son and to extend compassion to his devoted mother, Sasha, as this heartbreaking loss will impact us for the rest of our lives,” he shared.
Stallone expressed that Sage, his eldest son, held a uniquely special spot in his heart.
“Sage was our firstborn and the focal point of our lives. I sincerely ask everyone to allow my son’s memory and spirit to rest in peace,” he shared.
The Truth Revealed
It later came to light that Sage had dental surgery just two weeks prior to his passing, despite his mother’s pleas for him to avoid it.
“I warned him against it. I’ve heard of people losing their lives after undergoing several dental procedures,” she recounted. “I advised him not to have more than one tooth extracted.”
Sage made the decision to have five teeth extracted, despite the circumstances. Following the procedure, he took painkillers to manage his discomfort, according to Czack. Tragically, just two weeks later, he passed away.
In late August 2012, the details surrounding Sage’s death came to light: Autopsy findings indicated that he succumbed to atherosclerosis, which led to a heart attack. The toxicology report revealed the presence of pain medication in his system, but confirmed that there was no overdose.
Looking Ahead.
Stallone described the period of waiting for the cause of death as an incredibly challenging few weeks filled with deep sorrow.
To cope with his grief, Stallone focused on returning to work, seeking distractions wherever he could.
Now, with his second son and three lovely daughters, he stands proud, hoping that time will continue to aid in his healing process.
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The rest of the Stallone family is doing well. Sylvester’s second child, Seargeoh, who was diagnosed with autism in his youth, has chosen to live a life away from the limelight.
His daughters, Sophia and Sistine, co-host the “Unwaxed” podcast, while Scarlet is pursuing a career as a model and aspiring actress.
It’s a heartbreaking story, but it’s heartening to see Sylvester Stallone surrounded by his other wonderful children who bring him joy and comfort.
Isn’t it amazing how a mother often possesses such strong instincts regarding her children?
