That 70s Show star announces sudden death of brother at 48: 'It was a devastating shock'

By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-06 14:56:59 | Updated at 2026-08-06 19:24:41 5 hours ago

Laura Prepon has announced that her brother Brad died at the age of 48 as result of a heart condition.

The 46-year-old actress made the sad announcement on her Instagram page on Wednesday, along with a series of images of her late sibling.

'This past weekend, we laid my brother to rest,' said Prepon, who played Donna Pinciotti on That '70s Show and That '90s Show. 'He passed away suddenly from an unknown heart condition - it was a devastating shock.'

The actress, who has also been seen on Orange Is the New Black, continued, 'For those of you who knew Brad, I’m so happy he touched your lives. For those who didn’t, we lost a singular, beautiful, inimitable force.'

She added, 'I will miss my brother every day, and carry him in my heart always.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Prepon for further comment on the story.

Laura Prepon, 46, said that her brother Brad has died at the age of 48 as result of a heart condition. Pictured in January 2023 in LA 

The actress made the sad announcement on her Instagram page on Wednesday along with a series of images of her late sibling 

Prepon ended the message in writing, 'If you feel something may be off, please listen to your instinct and get it checked out. Hug the ones you love.'

An online obituary for Brad indicated he had 'passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Orange County, California,' and his funeral had been held this past Saturday in New Jersey.

'Brad cherished being surrounded by his family,' the obit read, and 'loved the tradition of holiday gatherings, time with his sisters, and friends.

'He especially enjoyed the energy of a night on the town,' the obit stated, and 'loved great food, great music, and a fun party.'

Brad had a 'unique personality and unmistakable presence' which 'made him someone people noticed and would not soon forget.'

He was described in the memorial as 'an introspective and contemplative seeker' with a 'polished exterior,' who had many facets to his personality.

'As much as he loved a night out, he was just as happy being lost in a book,' the obit read. 'Ever the inner alchemist, Brad enjoyed gaining knowledge, incorporating it into his life, and forging his own path.'

It continued, 'Brad will be remembered through the qualities that made him uniquely himself. He was a singular, inimitable force, who touched the hearts of many. He will be truly missed.'

Prepon said of her brother, 'I will miss my brother every day, and carry him in my heart always'

Brad had been described as 'a singular, inimitable force, who touched the hearts of many'

Brad was born on April 19, 1978 in New York City and grew up in Watchung, New Jersey, graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1996.

From there, he earned a college degree in history in 2000, and was also 'an exceptionally talented member of the college’s tennis program,' the obit stated. 'A remarkable tennis player, he brought athleticism, discipline, and determination to the court' in addition to 'every part of his life.

'When Brad committed himself to something, he did so completely.'

The obituary said that 'health, wellness, and physical fitness' had been important priorities during his life; and that he had 'a lifelong fascination' with history.

Following his graduation from school, he moved west to 'California in 2002 and made his home in Costa Mesa.' 

Brad's 'insatiable curiosity' led him to frequently study and expand his knowledge, as he possessed 'a particular interest in World War II.'

His mind was described as the kind 'that was always working,' as it was 'precise, analytical, and naturally drawn to understanding how things were designed and constructed,' according to the obit.

He was passionate about his hobby for building models, which 'reflected his patience, concentration, and appreciation for detail.'

Brad was described as being passionate about health, wellness, physical fitness and history

The adjacent comment section on Laura Prepon's Instagram post included comforting comments, as singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer wrote, 'Oh my god…I’m so sorry, Laura.

'These little postage stamp sized spots of real estate on the internet can feel impersonal but his heart really shines out of those photographs….thank you for sharing them. I am sending you a massive hug.'

Actor Nicholas Gonzalez wrote, 'Oh no, Laura. Had some good times with that lovable guy. So sorry for your loss.'

Prepon also received emojis expressing sympathy from Jason Biggs, Chelsea Handler and Questlove.

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