Amanda Peterson
Amanda Peterson in 'Can't Buy Me Love'Twitter/Variety

Amanda Peterson, Patrick Dempsey's co- star in 1987 teenage romantic comedy film "Can't Buy Me Love", was found dead in her Colorado home on Monday, 5 July. She was 43. 

According her father's statement to TMZ, her family hadn't heard from Amanda since 3 July, and had been concerned ever since. "She had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed," he said.

Amanda's mother Sylvia Peterson told CNN that her daughter suffered from health issues, "She had some medical problems with her heart but we don't know the cause yet." The family is waiting for the autopsy report to determine the cause of her death. 

She reportedly suffered from pneumonia, sinusitis and sleep apnea, and was living with her husband David Hartley in her hometown of Greeley in Colorado.

The "Can't Buy Me Love" actress has been staying away from the glitz and glam of Hollywood for a while now, with her last noted acting role as Sunny Sisk (A Year in the Life) in 1986. She was hoping to become a writer in recent years.